RABBIA

RABBIA
Rabbia, sick upon her bed,
By two saints was visited --
Holy Malik, Hassan wise --
Men of mark in Moslem eyes.

Hassan said, "Whose prayer is pure
Will God's chastisements endure."
Malik, from a deeper sense
Uttered his experience:

"He who loves his master's choice
Will in chastisement rejoice ."
Rabbia saw some selfish will
In their maxims lingering still,

And replied: "O men of grace,
He who sees his Master's face,
Will not in his prayers recall
That he is chastised at all!"  
                              -- Persian Poem 

               - Swami Vivekananda, Inspired Talks