English
Ghazal 5
On the night of separation I want no silk coverlet,
for the bed of the lonely makes the night endless.
The wise understand how the lover loses his mind,
for no patience is left in one who cannot bear the wait.
If you saw her and couldn't tell your own hand from a citron,
you'd have every right to stop blaming Zulaikha.
Young and lovely as you are, lower a veil over your face;
if not, even the old and steady will lose their hearts.
You are that flowering tree whose balanced height
puts to shame the value of the tall cypress.
From now on I'll oppose nothing you say,
for without you no joy is possible for me.
All night I sit with both eyes wide open,
like the twin stars, watching the Pleiades.
A night, a candle, a gathering, how sweet till dawn,
gazing at your face, a blow to the eyes of my enemies.
To whom should I complain of you? In the law of love
they pardon the beloved even for deliberate murder.
With a single glance you steal a whole city's heart,
as the servants of the Bani Sa'd raid the plunder-table.
In this way of yours you could wound a thousand like Sa'di
with cruelty and injustice; but please, my love, don't.