I kept on walking with the voice of Mistress Rose echoing in my ears. When I reached the edge of the city, the sun was setting on the fields as the orchards put on the veil of silence and repose and the birds chanted the evening prayer. I stood in thought, then whispered, “Before the throne of freedom these trees rejoice in their dalliance with the breeze. Before its majesty they take pleasure in the rays of the sun and moon. The sparrows sing their secrets in the ears of freedom, and along the streams they flutter about the hems of its robe. The flowers pour their perfumed breaths into the air of freedom, and they smile before its eyes at the coming of the morn. All that is on the earth lives by the law of its nature. From the nature of its law it seeks the splendor and the delights of freedom. But men are forbidden this goodness because they have entrusted their divine spirits to a worldly and limited law. They have subjected their bodies and souls to a single harsh law. For their desires and emotions they have raised a narrow and frightful prison, and for their hearts and minds they have dug a deep and gloomy grave. Whenever one arises among them and sets himself apart from their society and laws, they say, ‘This is a wicked rebel, worthy of banishment, a defiled sinner who merits death.’ But is man to continue a slave to his corrupt laws until the end of the ages, or will time free him to live by the spirit and for the spirit? Will man continue to stare at the dust, or will he turn his eyes toward the sun so as not to see his shadow among the thorns and skulls?”

THE ENCHANTING SPIRIT

THE ENCHANTING SPIRIT

Enchantress, where are you leading me?

Where am I following you on this rough path twisting among the rocks? On this path covered with thorns we climb on foot toward the mountain peaks and descend alone into the depths.

I cling to your hem and follow behind you like a child clinging to his mother, forgetting my own dreams and staring at the beauty that is in you. I blind myself to the processions of phantoms circling about my head, enraptured by the hidden power concealed within your body.

Wait beside me awhile, and I will look into your face. Look at me for a moment so that in your eyes I might see the mysteries of your heart, might understand from your features those things hidden in your soul.

Spirit, wait a little while, for I am weary of the path and my soul trembles at the terrors of the road.

Wait, for we have reached that crossroads where death embraces life. I will not go another step until you plainly tell my soul the intentions of your soul, until you disclose to my heart what lies treasured in your heart.