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 I may ever know Thee mine.

Thy Love has pierced me through and through,

Its Thrill with Bone and Nerve entwine.

I rest a Flute laid on Thy Lips;

A Lute I on Thy Breast recline.

Breathe deep in me that I may sigh;

Yet strike my Strings, and Tears shall shine.

So sweet my Tears, my Sighs so sweet,

I to the World its Joys resign.

Thou restest in my inmost Soul