L.*

A Hair perhaps divides the False and True; Yes; and a single Alif were the clue-- Could you but find it--to the Treasure-house, And peradventure to THE MASTER too;

This pair of quatrains must also be considered together. The idea contained in them is, I think, collected from C. 482 and 19, and from O. 28.

Oh Boy! since thou art learned in all secrets, Why grieve so much after vain cares? If things will not shape themselves according to thy desire, At any rate be happy in this moment of thy existence.

Ref.: C. 482, L. 714, B. 703, S.P. 414, B. ii. 560.--W. 458, N. 419, V. 766.

From the state of infidelity to that of faith is but a breath, And from a state of doubt to that of certainty is but a breath, Hold thou dear this one precious moment, For of the outcome of our being there is but a moment.

Ref.: C. 19, L. 131, B. 127, S.P. 20, B. ii. 22, T. 20.--W. 24, N. 20, V. 130.

My Heart said to me: «I have a longing for inspired knowledge, Teach me if thou art able,» I said the Alif. My Heart said: «Say no more. If One is in the house, one letter is enough.»

Ref.: O. 28.--W. 109.