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you: mistaken, mistaken is he who expects not death momentarily; it which unites us all comes alike by day and by night.[1] If I see thee not living, life will be fleeting[2] for me.
783. "If Fate, the destroyer of all, destroy me, an orphan I shall die travelling,[3] unmourned by parent, nor will those who brought me up, nor the friend whom I trust, enshroud me;[4] then indeed will your merciful, tender heart have pity on me.
784. "I have countless possessions weighed by none: Give the treasure to the poor, free the slaves; enrich every orphan without means;[5] they will be grateful to me, remember me, bless me; I shall be thought of.
785. "Whatever is not worthy of being kept in your treasury, give part to build orphan homes,[6] part to build bridges; be not sparing in the spending of mine estate for me; I have none save thee to quench the hot fires.[7]
786. "Henceforth thou shalt learn no more news from me, herewith I commit my soul to thee; this letter tells thee so, without flattering thee; the devil's deeds shall not seduce (my soul), it will prevail; forgive me and pray for me; what can be exacted from me dead?
787. "I entreat thee, O king, for Shermadin my chosen servant.[8] This year he hath an added day[9] of grief. Comfort him with the favour I was wont to favour him withal; make not the tears to flow from his eyes welling with blood.
788. "My testament is ended, written by mine own hand. Behold, mine upbringer, I have parted from thee; I am gone away with maddened heart. Let not the
- ↑ ? which unites day and night for us all, will come.
- ↑ Zhamisad.
- ↑ Gharibi, A., orphan, traveller, poor man.
- ↑ Shemsudron, 698; Lat. sudarium.
- ↑ Or, "all who are forsaken and destitute."
- ↑ Khanaga, P.; Ch., "almshouse"; Abul., "dervish monastery"; 1194.
- ↑ Cf. 810, 1571; ? reference to Purgatory.
- ↑ Mona, slave, vassal.
- ↑ Naci, the extra day in leap-year (Ch., Dict.).
