many a talon claweth at this thrush of the eternal garden. Pitiless ravens
do lie in wait for this bird of the heavens of God, and the huntsman of
envy stalketh this deer of the meadow of love.

O Shaykh! Make of thine effort a glass, perchance it may shelter this
flame from the contrary winds; albeit this light doth long to be kindled
in the lamp of the Lord, and to shine in the globe of the spirit. For the
head raised up in the love of God will certainly fall by the sword, and
the life that is kindled with longing will surely be sacrificed, and the
heart which remembereth the Loved One will surely brim with blood. How
well is it said:

Live free of love, for its very peace is anguish;
Its beginning is pain, its end is death.(77)

Peace be upon him who followeth the Right Path!

* * * * *

The thoughts thou hast expressed as to the interpretation of the common
species of bird that is called in Persian Gunjishk (sparrow) were
considered.(78) Thou appearest to be well-grounded in mystic truth.
However, on every plane, to every letter a meaning is allotted which
relateth to that plane. Indeed, the wayfarer findeth a secret in every
name, a mystery in every letter. In one sense, these letters refer to
holiness.

Káf or Gáf (K or G) referreth to Kuffi (“free”), that is, “Free thyself
from that which thy passion desireth; then advance unto thy Lord.”