From Chapter 11: UNION
Book III, Verses 4624-4633, 4644-4659
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The mosquito came from the garden and the plants, seeking justice from Solomon.
"O Solomon, you spread justice among demons, humans, and fairies.
Birds and fish are under the protection of your justice. Who is the lost one whom your grace has not sought?
Grant us justice, for we are in distress, deprived of the garden and the flowers.
You solve the problems of every weak one; the mosquito is an example of weakness.
We are famous for our weakness and broken wings; you are famous for your kindness and care for the needy.
You are at the peak of power, while we are at the peak of weakness and helplessness.
Grant us justice and separate us from this sorrow. Help us, for your hand is the hand of God.
Then Solomon said, "O seeker of justice, tell me from whom you seek justice and fairness.
Who is the oppressor that has wronged you with the wind and scratched your face?
How strange, where is the oppressor in our time? Who is not in our prison and chains?
When we were born, oppression died that day. So how can oppression arise in our time?
When the light rose, darkness vanished. Oppression's essence and support are darkness.
Look, the demons are working and serving; others are bound in chains and shackles.
The essence of the oppressors' tyranny was from the demon; the demon is in chains, how can oppression appear?
The kingdom granted us the power of "Be, and it is," so that the people do not cry out to the heavens.
So that smoke does not rise to the sky, and the heavens and stars do not become disturbed.
So that the throne does not tremble from the orphan's cry, and no soul becomes sick from oppression.
We established a religion in the kingdoms so that no "O Lord" rises to the heavens.
Do not look, O oppressed, to the sky, for you have a heavenly king in this time.
The mosquito said, "My complaint is against the wind, which opened two hands of oppression upon us.
We are distressed by its tyranny, silently drinking our own blood."
Solomon commanded the complaining mosquito to summon the adversary to the court of judgment.
Then Solomon said, "O beautiful one, you must listen to the command of truth with your soul.
God has told me, 'O judge, do not listen to one adversary without the other.
Until both adversaries are present, the truth does not appear before the judge.
If one adversary raises a hundred cries, do not accept his word without the other.
I cannot turn away from the command; bring your adversary before me.
Face your adversary and speak, respond to the adversary, and repel the enemy."
When the wind heard, it came swiftly, and the mosquito immediately took the path of escape.
Then Solomon said, "O mosquito, where are you going? Stay so I can judge between both of you."
The mosquito said, "O king, my death is from its existence; my dark day is from its smoke.
When it comes, how can I find peace? It brings turmoil to my being.
Similarly, the seeker of God's presence, when God comes, the seeker becomes nothing.
Although that union is eternal within eternity, initially, that eternity is within annihilation."
Barks Interpretation
Some gnats come from the grass to speak with Solomon.