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

I am both Glass and Image; the Echo and the Call.

I am the Tree and Branches, and all the Birds thereon;

I am both Thought and Silence, Tongues' Speech, and Ocean Squall.

I am the Flute when piping, and Man's Soul breathing breath;

I am the sparkling Diamond, and Metals that enthrall.

I am the Grape enclustered, the Wine-press and the Must;

I am the Wine, Cup-bearer, and crystal Goblet tall.

I am the Flame and Butterfly, which round it circling flits;

I am the Rose and Nightingale, the Rose's Passioned Thrall.

I am the Cure and Doctor, Disease and Antidote;