_He is the Strong, the Well-Beloved!_

O light of truth, Hisám-i-Dín, the bounteous,
No prince hath the world begot like unto Thee!(81)

I am wondering why the tie of love was so abruptly severed, and the firm
covenant of friendship broken. Did ever, God forbid, My devotion lessen,
or My deep affection fail, that thou hast thus forgot Me and blotted Me
from thy thoughts?


What fault of Mine hath made thee cease thy favors?

Is it that We are lowly and thou of high degree?(82) Or is that a
single arrow hath driven thee from the battle?(83) Have they not
told thee that faithfulness is a duty on those who follow the
mystic way, that it is the true guide to His Holy Presence? “But
as for those who say, ‘Our Lord is God,’ and who go straight to
Him, the angels shall descend to them....”(84)


Likewise He saith, “Go straight on then as thou hast been commanded.”(85)
Wherefore, this course is incumbent on those who dwell in the presence of
God.

I do as bidden, and I bring the message,
Whether it give thee counsel or offense.(86)

Albeit I have received no answer to My letters and it is contrary to the