On Earthly Love and Its Power

A love for someone made of the same clay as you can steal away all your patience and peace of mind. Awake, you are captivated by her cheek and the beauty spot; asleep, your feet are bound by her image. You lay your head at her feet so sincerely that beside her the whole world seems like nothing to you. When your gold means nothing in the eyes of the one you love, then gold and dust look the same to you. You can no longer bear to breathe a word with anyone else, for once she fills your heart, there is no room for another. You feel she lives right there in your eyes; and if you shut them, she is dwelling in your heart. No fear of being disgraced before others, and no strength to stay patient for even a moment. If she asks for your life, you offer it up at once; if she lays a blade to your head, you bow your head.