Rumi's Masnavi - Her laughter was never ceasing: then the Caliph became enraged and fierce.

Her laughter was never ceasing: then the Caliph became enraged and fierce.

He quickly drew his scimitar from its sheath and said, “Declare the secret cause of thy laughter, O foul (woman)! 3955

From this laughter a suspicion has come into my heart: tell the truth, thou canst not cajole me.

And if thou deceive me with falsehoods or idly utter glib excuses,

I shall know, (for) there is light in my heart: thou must tell everything that ought to be told.

Know that in the heart of kings there is a mighty moon, though sometimes it is overclouded by forgetfulness.

In the heart there is a lamp with which one goes about (as a rule); at times of anger and concupiscence it is put under the basin. 3960

That clairvoyance accompanies me just now: unless thou tell that which ’tis thy duty to tell,

I will sever thy neck with this scimitar: evasion will not avail thee at all.

And if thou tell the truth, I will set thee free: I will not violate the duty I owe to God, I will make thee glad.”