I am the foremost and the fairest
The prettiest among all other rulers
I am a full moon in a dark night, I am the whiteness of jasmines
I invented the first gallows, and I am the best of prophets..
Every time I consider resigning power, my conscience opposes me
Who, after me, would govern these poor fellows?
Who, after me, would heal the lame, and the albino, and the blind..
Who would resurrect bones?
Who, I wonder, would take moonlight out of his coat?
Who, I wonder, would send rain to people?
Who, I wonder, would lash them ninety lashes?
Who, I wonder, would crucify them on trees?
Who, I wonder, would force them to live like cows?
And die like cows?
Every time I think of leaving them
My eyes flow like a cloud...
And I surrender to God’s will…
And decide to ride on the back of the people..
From this day..till doomsday..
(Painting by Ludwig Deutsch depicting a palace guard)