Number 12

I remember there was a time when I had someone to ease my sorrow. With my love's lips near, held in my sweetheart's arms, every moment brought some sweet occupation. My cup of joy held not a single dreg, and the rose of union had no thorn for me. That lion-taming, fox-playing gazelle of a beloved made my helpless heart its willing prey. The soft down around that sun-bright face was like a bed of violets by the water of life. Everything I needed for delight was ready. God, what days those were! Even if the world raised its waves of rivals against him, Sadi still had a choice and precious companion.