'The heart of Gnostic[FN#472] homed in heavenly Garth * Heaven decks, and Allah's porters aid afford. Lo! here they drink old wine commingled with * Tasn í m,[FN#473] the wine of union with the Lord. Safe is the secret 'twixt the Friend and them; * Safe from all hearts but from that Heart adored.'"
And they recount another anecdote of
THE DEVOUT TRAY-MAKER AND HIS WIFE.
There was once, among the Children of Israel, a man of the worthiest, who was strenuous in the service of his Lord and abstained from things worldly and drave them away from his heart. He had a wife who was a helpmate meet for him and who was at all times obedient to him. They earned their living by making trays[FN#474] and fans, whereat they wrought all through the light hours; and, at nightfall, the man went out into t
