English Translation: Every point I’ve made in describing that divine form Whoever heard it said, “For God’s sake, what a pearl!” The acquisition of love and worldly wisdom seemed easy at first But in the end, my soul was consumed in acquiring these virtues. Hallaj, on the gallows, beautifully chanted …

English Translation: If I have any chance of reaching your beloved abode My affairs will be settled by the fortune of your union. Those two beautiful narcissus have captivated me Those two magical kohl-lined eyes have taken my peace. As a poor and powerless beggar at your door I have …

English Translation: At the time of roses, I feel ashamed of my promise to abstain from wine For no one should be ashamed of their misdeeds. Our salvation is all a trap, and I, from this discussion, Am not ashamed of the lover and the cupbearer in any way. Perhaps …

English Translation: O possessor of the world, victor of the faith, perfect king Yahya ibn Muzaffar, just king of the world O threshold of Islam, your shelter is open A window to the soul and a door to the heart on earth. Revering you is obligatory and necessary for both …

English Translation: I have smelled the spirit of love and been struck by the lightning of reunion Come, for I smell your scent, O northern breeze Alone, with the beauty of the beloved, stand still and descend For my patience cannot endure the longing for beauty. Let us forget the …

English Translation: O welcome northern breeze, bring good tidings That the time of our reunion is near. The story of love has no separation Though the tongue of the speaker has been cut. I am well and she is well, how are we? Where is our neighbor and how is …

English Translation: O my wounded heart, with your lips, fulfill your salt covenant Remember me as I go, may God be with you. You are that pure gem in the sacred realm The mention of your goodness is the result of the angels’ prayer beads. If there is doubt in …

English Translation: If a thousand enemies intend to kill me I care not for enemies as long as I have your friendship. The hope of your reunion keeps me alive Otherwise, every moment I fear death from separation. If I do not smell your scent with every breath Moment by …

English Translation: If you drink wine and spill a drop on the ground What harm is there in a sin that benefits no one else? Go and eat whatever you have, do not be stingy For time will strike the fatal blow without hesitation. To the dust of your feet, …

English Translation: A safe place, pure wine, and a loyal friend If you constantly have these, what a blessing! The world and its affairs are all nothing I have investigated this point a thousand times. Alas, and what a pity, that until now I did not know That the elixir …

English Translation: My pen lacks the power to express the tale of separation Or else I would describe to you the story of parting. Alas, the duration of my life has ended on the hope of reunion And the time of separation has arrived. The head that I held high …

English Translation: If fate lends a hand, I will grasp its skirt Whether it brings me joy or death, what glory! My hopeful heart has not tied itself to anyone's kindness Though my story is told everywhere. From the bend of your eyebrow, I've found no relief Alas, in this …