The Story of Love's Overwhelming Power

A man had a beautiful beloved in Samarkand, so sweet you would say he held sugar in place of a smile. A beauty that outshone the sun, whose playful glance toppled the foundations of piety. God be praised, such beauty to the utmost degree, that you would think him a verse of mercy itself. He walked by, and all eyes followed, while the hearts of his lovers surrendered their lives. This lover gazed at him secretly, the beloved caught his stare, and said sharply: You reckless fool, how long will you chase after me? Don't you know I am no bird for your snare? If I ever see you again, I swear by the blade, like an enemy I will cut off your head without mercy. Someone told him: now save yourself, chase after some easier goal than this. I don't think you'll win this desire; beware, don't throw your life away for a heart's whim. When the true lover heard this scolding, he let out a groan of pain from deep within: Let the wound of the deadly blade roll my lifeless body in blood and dust. So that friend and enemy alike might say: this is one slain by his hand and his sword. I see no escape from the dust of his street; let the tyrant spill my dignity if he will. You order me to repent, you self-worshipper? Repenting from such talk suits you far better. Have pity on me, for whatever he does, even if he seeks my blood, he does it well. Each night his fire burns me to ashes, yet at dawn I come alive with his sweet scent. If I die today in the beloved's street, on the day of judgment I will pitch my tent beside him. As long as you can, never turn your back in this battle, for Saadi still lives, though his love was the death of him.