Mantic uttaïr, Departure of the Birds

All the birds, terrified and apprehensive of the path, had their feathers and wings drenched in blood, and uttered groans. They saw a road without end; they felt the anguish of love, and could see no remedy for it. The wind of detachment from earthly things blew so fiercely in that place that the vault of heaven was shattered by it. In this desolate path, where the peacock of the firmament is of no avail, how could a bird (other than the hoopoe) remain for a single instant? Thus these birds, in fear of the sight of this path, gathered together in one place around the hoopoe, and, beside themselves, having all become her disciples on the spiritual way, said to her: “O Thou who knowest this path! We are not unaware that one may appear before the king only with the utmost reverence. But thou, who hast often been in the presence of Solomon, and hast sat upon the royal carpet, knowest all the usages of etiquette; thou knowest where there is uncertainty and where assurance. Thou hast also seen the ascents and descents of this road, and hast flown many times around the world. Since, by means of our money, thou art today our imam, to bind and to loose, we would see thee mount the pulpit here. Instruct us, we…”