Original content

English translation

Book Three - Section 22 - The jackal's claim to peacockhood after falling into the dyer's vat. And that many-colored jackal came forward stealthily and struck the reprover beside the ear: Look now at me and at my color; no idol-priest has an idol like me. I have become like a rose-garden, lovely with a hundred colors; prostrate yourself before me, do not turn your head away from me. Behold my pomp, splendor, brightness, sheen, and color; call me the pride of the world and the pillar of religion. I have become a manifestation of God's grace; I have become a tablet expounding Divine Majesty. O jackals, beware: do not call me jackal. When has a jackal ever had so much beauty? The jackals gathered there in a crowd, like moths around a candle. Then tell us what we should call you, O one of substance. He said: A male peacock, like Jupiter. Then they said to him: The peacocks of the spirit have displays in the rose-garden. Do you make such a display? He said: No. Having never crossed the wilderness, how could I beat down selfhood? Do you give the cry of peacocks? He said: No. Then you are not a peacock, master Abu al-Ala. The peacock's robe of honor comes from heaven; how will you attain that through colors and claims?