Ošabni kralj in angel smrti

Besedilo

Ošabni kralj in angel smrti

It is also related, O fortunate king, that one of the kings of old wished one day to ride out among the people of his realm and the dignitaries of his court, and display to all the marvels of his finery. He commanded his companions, his emirs, and the great men of his kingdom to make ready to accompany him, and ordered the keeper of his wardrobe to bring him the most splendid garments befitting a king in all his magnificence. He also ordered his celebrated thoroughbred horses to be brought, and his commands were obeyed. He chose the garments that pleased him and the horse he most admired, then dressed himself, mounted his steed, and rode forth in procession, wearing a collar studded with jewels, pearls of every kind, and rubies. He galloped his horse among his troops, glorying in his arrogance and might. Then Iblis came to him, laid his hand upon his nostril, and breathed into his nose the breath of pride and conceit. Puffed up with vanity, the king said to himself, “Who in all the world is my equal?” He went on exulting in his pride, displaying his pomp and strutting in his grandeur, too haughty and vain to spare anyone a glance. Then a man in ragged clothes stood before him and greeted him. The king returned his greeting, whereupon the man seized his horse’s bridle. “Take your hand away,” said the king, “for you do not know whose bridle you have seized.” “I have a matter to speak of with you,” the man replied. “Wait until I dismount,” said the king, “then tell me what you want.” “It is a secret,” said the man, “and I will speak it only into your ear.” The king inclined his ear toward him, and the man said, “I am the Angel of Death, and I have come to take your soul.” “Grant me time to return to my house,” said the king, “and bid farewell to my family, my children, my neighbors, and my wife.” “No,” he replied. “You shall not return, nor shall you ever see them again, for the allotted span of your life has ended.” He took the king’s soul while he was still on horseback, and the king fell down dead. The Angel of Death went on from there and came upon a righteous man with whom God was pleased. He greeted him, and the man returned his greeting. “O righteous man,” said the Angel of Death, “I have a matter to speak of with you, and it is a secret.” “Tell it into my ear,” said the righteous man. “I am the Angel of Death,” he said. “Welcome!” the man replied. “Praise be to God for your coming! I have so often awaited your arrival, and long indeed have you stayed away from one who yearned for you.” The Angel of Death said to him, “If you have any business to attend to, finish it.” “I have no business more important to me than meeting my Lord, mighty and glorious,” he answered. “How would you wish me to take your soul?” asked the angel. “For I have been commanded to take it in whatever manner you desire and choose.” “Grant me time to perform my ablutions and pray,” said the man. “Then, when I prostrate myself, take my soul while I am prostrate.” The Angel of Death replied, “My Lord, mighty and glorious, has commanded me to take your soul only in the manner you choose and desire, and I shall do as you have said.” So the man rose, performed his ablutions, and prayed. The Angel of Death took his soul while he lay prostrate, and God Most High bore him to the abode of mercy, divine favor, and forgiveness.