I saw a pious man who had become infatuated with someone, unable to bear the pain of separation and yet too shy to express his feelings. Despite facing much reproach and suffering, he did not abandon his love, saying:
"I will not let go of your skirt,
Even if you strike me with a sharp sword.
There is no refuge after you,
If I flee, it is still to you that I return."
Once, I reproached him and asked, "What happened to your sound mind, that your base desires have overtaken you?" He paused for a moment in thought and replied:
"Wherever the king of love arrives,
There is no place left for the strength of piety.
How can a virtuous person survive
When caught in the mire up to their neck?"
