hast mentioned thine intention to stay in Damascus until spring, then
to proceed to Mosul, should the means be forthcoming. This lowly servant
entreateth God--exalted is His glory--to provide such means as is deemed
expedient, and to aid thee. He is Potent and Powerful.

Although all the inhabitants of this region have been treated with the
utmost kindness, yet no evidence of fellowship can be discerned from them.
Thou shouldst observe much tact and wisdom, for they seek at all times to
cavil at and deny the Cause. May the One true God grant them equity.

Concerning thine own affairs, if thou wouldst content thyself with
whatever might come to pass it would be praiseworthy. To engage in some
profession is highly commendable, for when occupied with work one is less
likely to dwell on the unpleasant aspects of life. God willing thou mayest
experience joy and radiance, gladness and exultation in any city or land
where thou mayest happen to sojourn. This lowly servant will never forget
that distinguished and kind friend. He hath remembered and will continue
to remember thee. The decree lieth with God, the Lord of all worlds. I
fain would hope He may vouchsafe divine assistance and grant confirmation
in that which is pleasing and acceptable unto Him.

Every word of thy poetry is indeed like unto a mirror in which the
evidences of the devotion and love thou cherishest for God and His chosen
ones are reflected. Well is it with thee who hast quaffed the choice wine
of utterance and partaken of the soft flowing stream of true knowledge.
Happy is he who hath drunk his fill and attained unto Him and woe betide
the heedless. Its perusal hath truly proved highly impressive, for it was
indicative of both the light of reunion and the fire of separation.

Far be it from us to despair at any time of the incalculable favours of
God, for if it were His wish He could cause a mere atom to be transformed
into a sun and a single drop into an ocean. He unlocketh thousands of
doors, while man is incapable of conceiving even a single one.

So heedless is this servant that with words such as these he seeketh to
vindicate the supreme power of God--exalted be His glory. I implore pardon
of God, the Most Great, for these assertions and affirm that this servant
at all times recognizeth his grievous trespasses and misdeeds. He
entreateth remission of his sins from the ocean of the forgiveness of his
Lord, the Most Exalted, and beggeth for that which