The Festival of Spring, from the Díván of Jeláleddín / Rendered in English Gazels after Rückert's Versions, with an Introduction and a Criticism of the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám

by Maulana Jalal al-Din Rumi

God in the Dust inbreathèd sweet Whisperings of Love.

I tell thee why the Heavens for ever circle round:

God's Throne set in the Centre, draws All on Wings of Love.

I tell thee why the Zephyr at Morn so softly blows:

To flutter every Leaflet with the Kiss it flings of Love.

I tell thee why Night hideth in Veil so dark her Face:

She makes the World a bridal Tent, and darkling sings of Love.

I can divine all Riddles Creation puts to me,

For to her Riddles Ever, Man the Answer brings of Love.