And, raising to her ruby mouth That passionate record of her truth, 1910 Kiss'd it a thousand times, and shed A flood of tears, whilst mournfully she said— To him this sad memorial give— To him for whom alone I live."" Majnún, perplex'd, with painful feelings riven, 66 Beyond the praise of tongue, to mortal man 1920 His love and goodness,"—thus her námeh ran— To this, he scatters jewels bright and rare, To that, good sense to strive with worldly care: The love I bear thee, spotless from the skies; In truth and love to thee my heart was given,- 1930 Still single-still, in purity and faith, Thine own unchanged-unchangeable in death. Thou tread'st on is to me of matchless worth; 1940 Yet in a different sphere my race is run; I am the moon, and thou the radiant sun : Merit reproach, who at thy feet would die? Since thus divided, pity thou my lot, With all thy vows and raptures unforgot; Life's sweetest flow'rets, in their brightest bloom, Yes, Majnún wept and shook; and now What answer could he frame, and how? 1950 A wanderer, destitute-no reed, No tablets, to supply his need— But Laili's messenger had brought The means-and thus the maniac wrote:- Who, in the dark mysterious mine, 1960 -A burning heart, in sorrow deep, Though destined never more to meet. Thy beauty is my Kâba shrine, The arc of heaven, for ever mine; The Paradise I must not see; Yet thou hast quench'd my genial light; With fondness on thy flattering tongue Thou smilest, and my heart is wrung; For those whose tongues are gentlest found As fatal as the sword or spear. She, whom 'twas rapture to behold, Could she be basely bought and sold? And solacing another's heart! But, peace!—no more of thoughts so sad, Or I shall grow intensely mad; I yearn no more those lips to press; But is the joy of memory less? - 1970 1980 1990 The morning-breeze thy fragrance brings; And up my heart exulting springs; O Heaven! how rapturous to receive Scenes we can never witness more; 2000 But, though on earth denied to rest, Shall we not both in heaven be bless'd?" 2010 Majnún's distracted state was not unknown A wealthy chieftain (Selim was his name), Whose generous deeds had won the world's acclaim; Raiment and various food had oft supplied, Where'er the love-lorn wanderer might abide. He sought the distant place where Majnún lay; 2020 'Til Majnún, beckoning, confidence inspired; He turn'd him round, and, scorning the repast, To his familiars all the banquet cast. Then Selim asked-" What is thy food, my friend? Without support, thy life must quickly end." "My spirit's freshness, and its secret power, 2040 Come from the breeze which marks the morning-hour; Yes, every zephyr from my mistress brings Life to the soul upon its fragrant wings; |