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

That soaring I yon azure Heaven retrieve.

I am the Steed; O come and be my spur,

That quick the Victor Goal may me receive.

I am the Rosebud; O be my own Rose,

That gaudy Earth-weeds ne'er my Heart deceive.

I am the East; then rise in me, O Sun,

Flame up in Light, and all my Pain relieve.

I am the Night; O be my Starry Crown,

That in Life's darkness I nor fear, nor grieve.