'Tis a fable of the East,
Oft by grave-eyed merchants told,
Resting for their frugal feast,
Dates and fountain-water cold,
Underneath the shadow calm
Of the palm.

Once a sage of sages, bowed
By the griefs of many years,
Led two young disciples, vowed
Unto truth beyond their peers,
To an empty room. Surprise
Lit their eyes.

Unto each he gave a coin,
While they waited, fain to do
What the master might enjoin.
Tremulous his words and few:
" Spend the gold and fill the bare
Chamber there. "

Sped the first with eager feet
To the gay bazaars and bought
What he deemed most rich and meet,
Woods and stuffs full deftly wrought;
But not all their costly grace
Filled the space.

Musing deep in earnest breast,
Through the mart his fellow passed
And a candle bought: the rest
Of the gold as alms he cast;
For the room his candle bright
Filled with light.

Quoth the sage: " By this once more
Teach I, ere my voice is still,
Vanity of earthly store.
Only Allah's love can fill
These our empty hearts. I cease.
Go in peace. "