
The Mobad Answers Caesar's Riddles
From D10.24, Bahram Receives Caesar’s Envoy. It illustrates D10.24.21–32 (to D10.24.49):
- D10.24.21He called the high Mobad and sages near;His lips grew cold at what he feared to hear.
- D10.24.22“What hidden things,” he thought, “will Rum require?What seven riddles does this man desire?”
- D10.24.23The Mobad came with men of learned fame,Great masters versed in every branch and name.
- D10.24.24The spokesman then revealed what Caesar sought,And put to him the questions he had brought:
- D10.24.25“What do you call ‘within,’ and what ‘without’?Explain these terms and leave no room for doubt.
- D10.24.26What is above, and what below is found?What thing is lowly? What can know no bound?
- D10.24.27What thing bears many names in every land,Yet everywhere holds sway by its command?”
- D10.24.28The high Mobad replied, “Do not rush thought;Hold fast the path that understanding taught.
- D10.24.29O man of wisdom, lend your careful ear;One answer makes the whole inquiry clear.
- D10.24.30As for ‘without’ and ‘within,’ this is plain:Heaven is without; within, the air’s domain.
- D10.24.31Above is God’s own sovereign farr and might,Whose marvels stand revealed before our sight.
- D10.24.32God’s being knows no boundary or end;Through knowledge you may seek to comprehend.
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