3
On Saturday, from the Temple of Fire,
like a caliph of `Abbas in his black attire,
5
He returned to the musk-hued palace dome,
where the princess of India welcomed him.
7t
Until night came, in joy and pleasure there,
They burned dark incense to perfume the air.
9
Then Night, with queenly grace, brought the dusk;
On the sky's white silk she scattered her black musk.
11
From that beauty like Kashmir in early Spring
He sought a fragrance the night wind might bring.
13
So that from her sweet cache of jewels,
she would reveal a gem of eloquence;
15
A story that would make lips swell with desire,
And make the love-drunken yearn to dream.
17
The Turk-eyed doe of Indian descent
opened her little purse of musk.
19
She said,
Strike the drums five times, lift their tune
Above the four-postered throne of the Moon;
21
May he live as long as the earth exists,
May all heads make a low obeisance.
23
May all that he wishes be done right away,
May his caravans never suffer delay."
25
Her invocation made, she bowed her forehead low;
Her sweet gratitude perfumed her breath.
27
Her eyes downcast from shyness, she proffered
A story that no one had ever told or heard.
29
"I heard this story from my relatives,
who were wise and clever people.
31
Among those ladies who strive for paradise,
was a pious woman of a subtle nature.
33
She would visit our house every month.
Every time, she was dressed entirely in black silk.
35
We asked her, "What fear or fancy makes you
hide your silver with tarnish?
37
It is best that you tell us; we are your friends,
black can be washed white with our help."
39
"By your kindness,
tell us what you mean by this black sign."
41
She could not help but tell us the truth.
She said, "The history of this black silk -
43
Because you would not leave it untold,
I will tell you, if you will believe me.
45
I was once a maidservant of a certain master;
But I do not regret this, I am content.
47
My master was great and accomplished;
he kept his flocks safe from the wolf.
49
He had seen sorrow, he had fought back;
In silent protest, he wore black.
51
Heaven lamented his fate,
and called him "The Shah of the Black Coats".
53
Once, he had exquisite robes,
nobly embroidered with gold and red.
55
Like a rare flower, he cherished his guests;
Laughing with pleasure, he blushed red as roses.
57
He kept a guesthouse always ready,
which rivalled the Pleiades in beauty.
59
He had carpets spread, and a table set,
by servants educated in elegance.
61
All who came pulled in their reins,
and were received as his guest.
63
Then he would arrange a feast,
serving each as if they were of his own rank.
65
The shah would ask each guest to tell the story of his
travels,
about foreign lands and about his homeland.
67
That traveller, all of the wonders he had seen,
he would tell the shah, and the shah listened.
The traveller would tell the shah about all of the
wonders he had seen, and the shah listened.
69
All his life he passed in this habit,
Until the end of his life (?)
71
Then, for a while he disappeared;
secret as the Simurgh, he withdrew.
73
A long time passed.
About him, like the 'Anqa, no one could inform us.
75
Suddenly one day,
by the grace of fortune,
he who wore the crown returned to his throne.
Suddenly one day, by fortune's grace,
He who wore the crown on the throne took his place.
77
Coat, shirt and hat, from head to foot,
his clothes were black.
79
In his worldly affairs, he possessed the same sharp
intellect,
undiminished despite his black attire.
81
He lived in darkness, like the secret Spring of Life,
but no one dared ask him why.
83
One night, with pity and compassion,
I served my king, who I admired.
85
Resting his feet on my lap, he began to lament
The sphere of fate, the starry firmament.
87
"See how the stars have plundered me,
and made a plaything of nobility!
89
From Paradise cut off into obscurity,
where the ink of gossips blackens me.
91
No one asks,'Whence comes this darkness,
Why is your silver black with tarnish?"
93
I thought of an answer; I began to speak
while I massaged his foot with my cheek.
95
I said, "O saviour of the distressed,
Aid to the lowly, of all kings the best!
97
On all the earth, which of your friends need try
with necessity's adze to scrape at the sky?
99
The story is hidden; who would dare inquire?
You know, and can tell us, should you so desire."
101
My lord found me worthy of intimacy,
He broke the muskpod, pierced the ruby.
103
He said, "Since I enjoyed the power of sovereignty,
By custom, I provided hospitality.
105
I met each guest, both the good and the bad,
And asked each to tell the adventures he'd had.
107
One day, from the way, a strange man came to me,
Shoes, turban and robe, all black were all three.
109
I made sure he was well served and fed,
Then I called on him, and said,
111
"I have not read your story, I cannot guess.
What is the reason for your black dress?'
113
He said, "Leave this talk, let it go -
About the Simorgh, who can know?"
115
I said, "Tell me now, don't try to switch,
why this cloak as black as pitch?"
117
He said, "Excuse me, please, from a report.
I can't explain; all speech falls short.
119
The story of this black is only known
By he who wears this black, and he alone."
121
I kept pleading with the man;
But I was in Iraq, he in Khorasan.
123
He would not listen to any plea,
Would not unveil the mystery.
125
When I kept pleading to excess,
He felt shame at my distress.
127
He said:
"In the state of China, there is a city,
A city like Paradise, so fair and pretty.
129
It is called "The City of The Shocked",
A mourning-house for those who are black-frocked.
131
All who live there are the moon's likeness;
Lovely as the moon in her black silk dress.
133
Whoever drinks wine in that town,
In its blackness will blacken his gown.
135
That mourning dress is just the title at the story's head;
The story is astounding, although it can't be read.
137
Though my throat is pierced, though my blood is shed -
I'll say no more than what I've said."
139
He packed up his goods and went,
taking with him my content.
141
After that, his tale occupied my head;
I could not believe what he had said.
143
What he had said, and what left unexpressed -
I feared I had become obsessed.
145
The chase began; what a frenzied quest I made!
Even a pawn, if carefully played,
147
Might become a queen, after all;
But I failed to scale the castle wall.
149
Though I tried to divert my thoughts from my quest,
My hunt for patience gave my heart no rest.
151
I had inquiries made, overt and concealed;
No news of this matter was ever revealed.
153
From my kingship, at last, I took a vacation,
My duties were left to a noble relation.
154
I packed up treasures, jewels, and wares
enough to keep my mind from cares.
155
Asking after the name of the city,
I travelled to see what I wanted to see.
159
A city as fair as Eden before the Fall;
A flag of musk was flown by each and all.
161
Every face, as white as milk,
was dressed in robes of pitch-black silk.
163
I settled down at the serai, as a boarder,
And piece by piece put my house in order.
165
For a year, the city's affairs were my study;
They were never discussed, by anybody.
167
When at last every circumstance had been surveyed,
I met a man, a butcher by trade.
169
Handsome, courteous, dignified,
Speaking no ill of others; he kept his tongue tied.
171
Attracted by his virtue and good sense,
I sought the pathway to his confidence.
173
So I could join myself to his society,
I set out to conquer his sobriety.
175
I gave him fresh-faced coins of gold,
and other gifts, whose worth cannot be told.
177
Day by day, increasing his estate,
Encrusting iron with gold plate.
179
I hunted him, hair by hair;
Hammering gold in everywhere.
181
The butcher, the more gold I spilled,
was mine, a prize ox adorned to be killed.
183
And yet my gifts of jewels did not abate,
until he ached beneath the treasure's weight.
185
One day, as I visited his residence,
He honored me beyond the mark of excellence.
187
He spread a feast before me, which he served
In the best manner; gracious, yet reserved.
189
His table set with all one might require,
Except the object of his guest's desire.
191
We feasted on delights of every kind,
discussing everything that came to mind.
193
As soon as we had finished the repast,
Before me, all of my gifts were amassed;
195
All that I gave to him, he gave back to me,
Then he sat down and offered his apology.
197
"Look at all these gifts you've made,
More costly jewels than men have ever weighed!
199
With the little I earn, I am content;
But you gave me all this - With what intent?
201
What recompense does your lordship require?
How can I serve? What do you desire?
203
I own one life; Had I a thousand more
To put in the balance, the trade would still be poor."
205
I said,
"Master, do you act the slave with me?
You're the expert; why this immaturity?
207
In the scales of a man so wise and great,
How could such trifles have value or weight?"
209
To pages of my retinue,
I nodded, made a sign they knew;
211
They hurried to my hidden hold,
brought back coins of brightest gold.
213
From that pure and precious store
I gave more gold, more than I gave before.
215
The man, confounded by my prodigality,
was humbled by my liberality.
217
He said,
"I shall be forever obliged to you,
I cannot, in truth, repay what is due.
219
Yet you present me with riches anew;
I am ashamed. What can I do?
221
I did not give back what you gave before
To try to make you give me more.
223
I returned it to you because such a hoard
Should not be had without work or reward.
225
But you have added treasure to the treasure;
Now my shame is equal to your pleasure.
227
If you're in need, your friend is your slave,
And if not, take back all you gave."
229
My heart thus assured of his feelings for me,
Aware of his friendship, I spoke openly.
231
I told him my story; I gave a report
Of my kingship, my country, and my court;
233
Why I had traveled from a far distant land
Letting the kingship fall from my hand,
235
So that I might know why all of this city
Sorrow, though they suffer no adversity.
237
Why do they mourn? What joy do they lack?
Why do they clothe themselves in black?
239
The butcher, when he heard what I said,
Like a lamb terrified by a wolf, froze with dread.
241
For an hour, he sat, horror-struck, ashen-faced,
His eyes closed, as if he'd been disgraced.
243
Then he said:
" The question is unjust, to ask it is not right;
Black is the answer as darkest night."
245
Night scattered ambergris on camphorous day,
From the paths of men, men turned away.
247
He said,
"Now is the time. What you've asked about
You'll see, and feel, and so you will find out.
249
Up, now, that I may disclose the mystery,
Show you the hidden pattern. Follow me."
251
Saying this, he stepped outside,
Showed the way, became my guide.
253
I followed humbly; he went before me,
No other soul in our company.
255
Like one fairy-struck, I was carried away
To a place full of ruins, as he led the way.
257
We entered a ruin in the dark of night
Like a pair of spirits veiled from sight.
259
There was a basket with a rope tied round,
He brought it before me without a sound.
261
Circling the basket, the rope was wound
Like a snake by a charmer's basket bound.
263
He said,
"In this basket, you must sit,
Moving between earth and sky in it,
265
So you may know why all are silent, why
No one says what these black robes signify.
267
Whatever is hidden of your good or ill,
Your basket will show you; Nothing else will."
269
In this there was no harm, apparently -
I climbed into the basket immediately.
271
When my body was in it, the rope fettered me there,
While my basket, like a bird, took to the air.
273
A magic device that spun and twirled
Reeled me up to the celestial world.
275
By the rope's magic I was crossed;
It played its rope-game, and I lost.
277
Round my neck the rope wound tight;
The rope was strong, my neck was slight.
279
I was a captive, forsaken by luck,
On my poor neck the rope stuck.
281
From my strangled throat, I wailed;
My luck had failed, the rope prevailed.
283
Although that rope caused me strife,
It was my only tie to life.
285
There was a tall tower, a Moon's-height tall,
Looking up to its top would make your hat fall.
287
When at this tall tower the basket arrived,
By a trick of the rope, a knot was contrived.
289
Its work was done; it abandoned me.
I yelled and shouted helplessly.
291
When I looked at the world, low and high,
I saw that I was up in the sky.
293
When the magic spell had ended,
Like the skies, I hung suspended.
295
My tortured soul fled to my gut,
My eyes stared wide and would not shut.
297
Looking up no did my heart no good,
And as for looking down - Who could?
299
My eyes closed; In fear's excess,
I resigned myself to helplessness.
301
All my exploits were regretted,
For home and family I fretted.
303
My regrets were no help to me,
Except in prayer and piety.*
*How profitless is the penitent's fraud!
He only calls to God from fear of God.
305
After I had spent more than an hour
On the summit of that tall and slender tower,
307
A bird flew up and perched, so gigantic
That his arrival made me frantic.
309
From head to foot he was so enormously immense
One might say the tower fell from its former eminence.
311
Like branches of trees were his feathers and wings,
His feet were like steps of the thrones of kings.
313
His beak was as long as the tower was high,
A mountain with a chasm in its eye.
315
Constantly he scratched and cleaned,
Continually he plumed and preened.
317
Each feather that he cleaned around,
A pod of musk fell to the ground.
319
When his wings were scratched about,
Shells full of pearls came spilling out.
321
He settled down and went to sleep on me.
Beneath him, like one drowning in the sea,
323
I thought, "This bird could carry me away,
Clutched in his claws, as if I were his prey.
325
To stay up here is much too risky,
With downfall below, disaster above me.
With disaster above me, and downfall below;
327
A faithless man in his unmanliness
Has coldly caused me cruel distress.
329
What motive did he have to torment me?
Why would he crush my generosity?
331
Had he been led astray by my property,
Had abandoned me to ruin for its sake?
333
Better to take hold of the bird's foot
and escape from this perilous place.
335
When the cock sang at dawn, the bird
Like every wild creature, woke and stirred.
337
Again his heart felt the sun's heat.
His wings began a quickening beat.
339
Reaching up, trusting in Allah,
I seized on the bird's strong claw.
341
The bird's foot closed; his wings unfurled.
We flew like wind above the dusty world
343
From dawn's first light until midday,
A traveller and provisions for the way.
345
The solar fire hotly burned
As the sky above us turned.
347
Seeking a shaded place to take his ease,
The bird flew lower by slow degrees
349
Towards a site which was such a site,
Near to the earth as a spear's height.
351
On the earth below us lay a meadow in full bloom;
Soft green silk, sweet with rose and ambergris perfume.
353
I blessed the bird most thankfully,
While from his grasp I wrestled free.
I blessed the bird a hundred cause
While I freed myself from his claws;
355
357
For a good hour I just lay there,
Giving my heart to anxious care.
359
When I had recovered from my fall,
I felt somewhat better, for that I gave thanks;
361s
Restored to a sensible frame of mind,
I looked all around, before and behind;
363
I saw a meadow, whose earth had Heaven's grace,
unsullied by the dust of Adam's race.
365
A hundred thousand flowers blossomed there,
Where water slept, the grass became aware.
367
Each flower's form and hue was different,
Each flower's scent, a league in its extent.
369
The hyacinth wound her curls into a snare,
She caught the pink carnation in her hair.
371
The red lips of the rose were bitten by the jasmine's teeth;
Like tongues, the redbud's petals tickled the grassy heath.
373
The dust was ambergris, sweet camphor was the earth,
The sand was gold, the rocks and stones were jewels of
priceless worth.
375
From fresh full founts, rosewater flowed,
In their depths gems flashed and glowed.
377
The pools held hoards of turquoise of such rarity
The heavens begged for their beauty and clarity.
379
Within the shining water, fishes swam
in liquid silver, each like a dirham*.
*a little silver coin.
381
Ringed round by hills of emerald hue,
where poplar, pine, and cypress grew.
383
All ruby-red was every rock and stone;
In red reflection the white poplar shone.
385
Sandalwood and aloeswood stood everywhere;
The breeze released their perfume to the air.
387
By the fancies of houris it had been invented,
As tribute to Paradise had been presented.
By the genius of houris it was made,
As tribute to paradise was paid,
By the genius of houris it had been ideated,
As a tribute to Paradise had been created;
By the fancies of houris it had been devised,
As tribute to Paradise had been realised;
By a houri's imagination devised,
As a tribute to Paradise, it was realised;
By the genius of houris it had been devised,
As tribute to Paradise, was realised;
It had been devised by houris blest;
As tribute to Paradise, made manifest;
By the genius of houris it had been expressed,
As tribute to Paradise, made manifest;
By the genius of houris it had been proposed,
As tribute to Paradise had been composed.
389
Call it "The Pleasure-Garden of the Peaceful Heart",
Its heaven a dome of azure blue made by enameler's art.
391
In this place, as I discovered and explored,
I felt the joy of one who counts a treasure-hoard;
393
By its beauty overawed,
Crying out "Praise be to God!".
395
As I wandered all around it, up and down,
The sight of the garden caressed my eyes
397 I ate sweet fruits,
Openly offering up a wealth of praise.
399 At last, I rested in content beneath a cypress tree,
Happy as a cypress, unbent by care and free.
401
Until evening I stayed there,
Though there were thousand things to do.
403
I ate a little, slept a little,
at every moment offering up praise.
405
When jewelled Night freshened her array,
Put on her black cloak, put her crimson away,
407
On the hilltops wove sunbeams like threads on a loom,
As the evening star burst into bloom;
409
A breeze came, sweeping dust away,
Softer than the breath of May.
411
Then came a cloud, like a cloud of Spring,
on the grass its pearls were scattering.
413
(?)
415
I saw from afar a hundred thousand houris,
So radiant that my composure fled.
417
The world was full of luminous pictures,
Refreshing to the soul as fragrant wine.
419
Each image pictured the early Spring.
Even their hands were painted with designs.
421
Their lips like rubies, tulips from the garden.
423
Their hands and arms were draped with lace of gold.
Their necks and ears adorned with shining pearls.
425
The candles in their hands were fit for kings;
Free of smoke and trimmers, free of moth's wings.
427
They walked in health and beauty, their slow paces
Attended by a thousand thousand graces.
429
Before those images of heavenly design were borne
Carpets and a throne, as Paradise alone could fashion.
431
They spread the carpets, put down the throne,
striking down my sobriety with their beauty's power.
433
When a little time had passed, not much,
the Moon seemed to descend from the sky.
435
A brillance appeared from afar
by which the stars of heaven were concealed.
437
All around her, as houris and fairies,
a hundred thousand stars dawned.
439
Each confection with a candle in her hand;
Sweetness and light were united in beauty.
441
Full of finest cypresses was the entire garden
All night-illumined with lamps.
443
Then came that happy august princess,
Arrayed like a bride, she took her place upon the throne.
445
All the world was stilled of its unsteadiness,
the Day of Judgment dawned with her enthroned.
447
After sitting for a moment motionless, she
removed the veil from her face, the boots from her feet.
449
A queen stepped out from her veiled pavilion
Roman and Ethiopian troops before and behind;
451
Roman and Ethiopian, like two-colored dawn
The Romans conquered while the Ethiops danced.
453
Her eyes narrow from beauty, not from desire in her sight,
All cypresses are made of earth; she was made of Light.
455
Suddenly, she blushed; her head bowed like a flower
whose bloom cast upon the world a fire-shower.
457
After a moment she lifted her head,
Turned to her nearest maid, and said:
459
"A stranger,
a worshipper of dust
has appeared in this place.
461
Quickly, make the circuit of this place,
and if you find anyone, bring him before me."
463
Her charmed companion rose immediately,
and like a fairy flew from left to right (all around).
465
When she saw me, she was amazed.
Kindly, she took my hand.
467
She said "Get up, and quickly!
The Princess of Princesses so commands."
469
I made no reply to her,
for she had said what I desired to hear.
471
We took wing, and crow with peacock flew,
and arrived at the splendid bride's throne.
472
I went before her and quickly
Kissed the earth's dust with my dust
473
475
She said "Get up, that place is not your place,
A slave's seat does not suit your grace."
477
I am kind to guests. When a guest visits me,
His place at the core, not the surface, must be.
479
481
"Come up to the throne, you must sit with me;
Like the Moon with the Pleiades, in harmony."
483
"O lady like angel descended from heaven,
I do not deserve the command you have given.
485
No demon could sit on Sheba's throne,
Nor take for himself what is Solomon's own.
487
Fiend that I am, no throne may I claim.
How could I pretend to Solomon's name?"
489
She said "Do not plead. I accept no excuse,
Here your poetical charms have no use.
491
All you see is yours; You shall have the command,
But must sit when I sit, must stand when I stand.
493
So that you might my secret divine,
Find favor by means of this favor of mine."
495
"My lady, share rule with your shadow alone;
My crown is as dust on the steps of your throne."
497
She replied, "By my life and soul I vow
That you must sit at my side. Now."
499
You are my guest, excellent man,
A guest that one must cherish."
Excellent man, you are my guest, blessed, attest,
501
Since I could see no other rank for myself
except that of a slave, I stood there like a slave.
503
One of her servants gently took my hand,
led me up to the throne, and stepped back down.
505
Thus I was seated on that exalted throne; it seemed as
though
my simple snares had somehow caught the Moon.
507
To me, the beautiful moon with sweetest language
spoke freely of her friendship and favour.
509
Then she commanded her maids to bring before us
a table laden with a feast delicious beyond description.
511
The celestial servants prepared a feast
of dishes fragrant as ambergris.
513
On turquoise plates, in jewelled bowls,
Delights for the eyes refreshed our souls.
515
Every dish we could devise in fancy
The cook would make, and swiftly bring to us.
517
When at last we had finished feasting
on hot meats and cold drinks,
519
the musicians arrived, the cupbearers departed,
leaving no excuse to resist joy.
521
By each virgin pearl was a pearl strung;
Each lovely voice left no verse unsung.
523
They cleared a place to dance, we made a circle,
Our feet flew and we clapped our hands.
525
They arranged candles on that place
and stood upright like candles
527
Then we rested from the dance,
and celebrated our victory with wine.
529
The cupbearers made such hot haste to serve us
the veil of modesty was brushed aside.
531
By the strength of my passion, compelled by the wine,
I behaved as those debauched by the cup.
533
The sweet lips on her loving face
murmured no objection to such sport.
535
Thus I glimpsed what she had kept concealed;
Like her long locks, I fell down at her feet
537
and began to kiss them;
I continued until she said "No more!".
539
The bird of hope alighted on a bough;
There was nothing we could not speak of now.
541
I gave myself to love, with caresses and wine,
with my heart and all my soul.
543
I said, "Delight of my heart, deserving of fame,
Would that I knew your intent and your name."
545
"Like Turkish delight, for my delicacy
Turktaz is the name my father gave me."
547
I said, "We share friendship and share power,
and now our names unite us.
549
Turktaz, your name is a wonder, because
my name is the same as yours, Turktaz.
551
Arise! Like fierce Turks hungry for plunder
Together let us burn the southern lands,
553
And drunk with sacred fire, feast our souls
on sweets and wine made more sweet by our love.
555
We own the bitter wine, the sweet delights,
Now let he feast begin, the cup is in our hands."
557
Looking into her lovely eyes, I discovered that
the distance between us no longer separated us.
559
Her gaze said, "Now you can
Make your move; Fortune favors your plan."
561
Her smile encouraged me,"The time is excellent;
Take kisses, lest your friend should withdraw again."
563
Then she opened her treasury of caresses;
where I had asked for one, she gave a thousand.
565
I became hot, drunk with passion,
My lover with me, my self-control left me.
567
My blood came boiling to my heart,
and when she heard my blood's cry,
569
She said, "Tonight, with kisses be content,
Scratch no more of the colour from the sky."
571 *
Anything beyond this would not be right;
Lovers that trespass are no better than faithless.
573
While peace has a place in you,
Play with my tresses, bite my lips, steal kisses.
575
But should there arrive that incapacity
which Nature cannot resist.
577
From these my maidservants, each one a moon,
a dawn to a lover's night,
579
The one that your eyes appears most beautiful,
the one that desire finds in its gaze,
581
Tell me which one she is, and I shall free her from my
service,
and put her beneath your command.
583
So that she might prepare for service to your lordship,
and to a private bedchamber be attached,
585
to comfort and console you,
to be as your servant and your bride
587
Extinguish your fire with her sweetness.
589
If another night you desire a new bride
Then secretly let me know your royal wish
591
Each night I will give you one of my jewels.
If you require another, I will give you another.
593
When she had finished saying this,
She acted on her sympathy and kindness.
595
Secretly, she sought among her maids
for the one most suitable for my company.
597
She summoned her and brought us together,
saying, "Go, and do as you wish."
599
The moon that she had given me took my hand.
Astonished by her lunar beauty, I could not move.
601
With her beauty and charm and health
She was a lover worthy of delight.
603
She walked ahead, I followed after her,
Bound by her tresses, a slave of her moles,
605
until we came to the curtained doorway of a beautiful
house.
She would not go in until I entered first.
607
We passed through the narrow doorway,
Our music was sweet, like bass and soprano singing
together.
609
I saw a carpet spread out on a high platform;
On it was a bed made of silk, the finest figured silk.
611
Candles set around the carpet illuminated the pavilion,
each flame like a precious stone, each perfumed with
amber.
613
We rested our heads on the bedpillows
and lay breast to breast.
615
I found a rare harvest, a rose bloomed in a willow tree;
Delicate, soft, and warm, red and white.
617
And a secret shell bound by a seal;
From her pearl I lifted the seal.
619
She lay on my breast until dawn,
My bed was sweet with musk and fine perfume.
621
In the morning like happiness she rose before me
and prepared a hot bath
623
The basin and ewers
were adorned with precious red gems and yellow gold.
625
I washed myself with rosewater,
and when I dressed,
I was all scented like the rose.
627
I left that happy place,
as one by one the stars disappeared.
629
I crept into a quiet corner to
discharge the duties God commands.
631
All the brides and beauties were gone, the pavilion was
gone;
none remained.
633
I stood on the grass like a yellow flower
on the mead near the bank of a cool spring.
635
My head nodded with drowsiness from wine,
On flowers fresh and dry I lay my head.
637
I slept from dawn until the next evening,
Fortune watches while the wise man happily sleeps.
639
Night, the musk deer, opened its pod of musk
and the shell of the sky filled with shadow.
641
I lifted my head up from my deep sleep,
and sat like the green grass by the water's edge.
643
Cloud and breeze came, like the night before,
One scattering pearls, the other sweet perfume.
644
The breeze blew, the cloud scattered rain;
This sowed jasmine, that planted violets.
645
Then to that amber-scented meadow,
Sprinkled drop by drop with rosewater,
646
Beauties came and prepared for pleasure,
Heaven once again renewed its game.
647
They brought a throne made of bars of gold,
and a canopy studded with precious jewels.
649
They set up the exalted throne,
they draped the silken canopy above.
651
Then they set out a feasting-place fit for princes,
adorning all with luminous ornaments.
653
The noise and confusion of the world were hushed
when the fair assembly arrived.
655
In their midst was that ravishing bride
whose plunder is the patience of her lovers.
657
When she took her place upon her throne,
The throne took on the first blush of Spring
659
Again she ordered them to seek me out,
to erase my name from the list of absentees.
661
I presented myself, again was called to the throne,
again by her command was seated there.
663
All was arranged as the day before,
the table set, the dishes laid upon it.
665
Each dish was properly set out,
each made the taster blush with joy.
667
All was made as it should be made.
When everyone had finished feasting,
669
Wine was served, the lute was tuned,
The musician's touch caressed the strings.
671
The cupbearer's sweetness, and the pleasant cup
made love's splendor warmer.
673
Love and wine conspired
to help happy ecstacy to conquer us.
675
My Turk showed mercy to her prey,
Myself, as Hindu, showed humility.
677 679 681
Alone like this with my beautiful friend,
My heart's warmth inflamed my mind.
683
I put my hand like her tresses on her waist,
and drew her to me as lovers do, from desire.
685
She said, "The time to be unfaithful is not now,
Tonight is not the night to break your vow.
687
If you wish for sweetness, content yourself with this:
Take my lips in your teeth, seal them with a kiss.
689
He who with content can celebrate,
Shall keep his place among the great.
691
He who takes desire for a friend
Shall fall to a disreputable end."
693
I said, Help me, for God's sake:
the water rushes over my head, the thorn has pierced my
foot.
695
You have tresses black as pitch
That chain me like a madman.
697
As long as you chain your door, I tell you,
Like a man in chains, I am distressed.
699
Night comes to an end, the dawn blossoms;
But our conversation never ends.
671
If you aim to kill me, I will not stop you,
I lay before you my head and my sword.
673
So quickly cut off my head;
The rose can't smile without the rain's regard.
675
Seek water, your stream am I,
Earth and water giving - wash in me.
677
679
681
683
Do not burn an atom with thirst,
You could soothe the thirsty with a raindrop
685
A date fallen into the milk,
A needle lost in the midst of silk.
687
If what I wish is other than this, arise,
Bind with dust desire's eyes.
689
A bird on its way perched and flew,
not a fallen ass with its water-bag torn;
691
She answered, "The night is sweet, so wait,
Leave the black colt's shoe in the fire."
693
Turn away from dreams this night,
Find a lamp of endless light.
Abandon your vain dreams tonight,
Find a lamp of deathless light.
695
For one drop, don't sell a spring,
Don't trade honey for a sting.
697
Shut the door on one excess,
Forever after laugh in happiness.
699
Keep kissing me and playing with my curls,
Keep playing games with my servant-girls.
701
Don't leave your garden - it belongs to you!
The bird is yours, don't try to milk it too!
703
Your heart has its wish, and pleasure as well;
Why set your hands to evil?
705
707
709
If you fish from this pool,
Later you'll catch the moon in it.
711
Since I understood the intent of her pleasantries,
I behaved with harmony and intimacy
713
I set my heart on her kisses like sugar,
my hopes on another day,
715
717
And the fire returned,
My lust refreshed with kisses and wine.
719
As before, when my beloved Turk
saw in my heart the fires of lust
721
She chose from her beauties the one that was fit,
who would extinguish my fires again.
723
A lover, in truth, as the heart desires,
The heart desires what is just.
725
727
I went each night, as my habit had become
Each night my desire increased
729
Eating sweets until the dawn,
Holding hands with a fairy
731
Day, like a bleacher, washed his robe white,
Dashed the dye-jar of dyer-like night,
733
Made all the colors that charm the eyes
Fade from the jeweled expanse of the skies.
735
I longed for night to come again,
To drink wine with the beauties of China,
737
To wrap myself in their black locks,
To take to my heart my heart's solace,
739
There drinking the sugar lipped cup
There enjoying rosy cheeked pleasure
741
When the longed-for night was ready
A throne higher than the Pleiades was mine
743
So for some time with song and with wine
All my nights passed, one after another,
745
First of the night I looked out for light,
And later I shared my nest with a houri.
747
Days spent in a garden, nights in heaven,
Musky earth and a house of golden tiles.
749
I was the king of a realm of joy,
By day with the sun, by night with the moon.
751
All joys were as nought to me,
Fate decreed the source would disappear from me.
753
No thanks were given for that kindness,
in truth, immeasurable kindness;
757
I erased each word of thanks,
Leaping from advantage to advantage.
I erased each word of gratitude,
Leaping from altitude to altitude.
759
When many nights had passed, up to a month,
The earth's shadow blackened the moon,
761
Rich with black perfume, celestial tresses
Enfolded the sun in the moon's caresses.
763
The cloud and wind, just as before,
Refreshed the garden's tender face.
765
Again the world was set in motion,
The clamour of ornaments rose to heaven.
767
The maidservants came, in their wonted way,
Apples in hand, pomegranates in breast,
769
Came, set up the throne,
Closed it in a circle, opened their throats in song.
771
Then came that Moon so like the sun,
her black tresses scattering musk-scent.
773
Candles before and after, according to her custom,
Leave those coming after! The Light has come before.
775
With a thousand thousand beauties and graces,
She returned to her feasting-place.
777
Musicians bound their song upon the strings,
Then the singers set to work.
779
The lovely cupbearers poured out the purple wine,
Straight as a bows against a violine.
781
Her lips as sweet as sugar, the queen commanded,
"Now bring my chessmate to me."
783
With grace, her beauties conveyed me to her,
May God bless those who brought us together!
785
When she saw me, she deigned to stand,
Then made my right place at her right hand.
787
Happy to serve her, I sat down,
Remembering the longing that I'd known.
789
Again the feast was set with care,
With fine dishes immeasurably rare.
791
When our day's fare had been consumed,
Wine arrived in brilliant company.
793
The palms of the cupbearers, like seafoam white,
Scattered pearls from the shell of delight.
795
Drunk once more, with love distraught,
In ringlets like ropes my hands were caught.
797
Slipping the halter by which it was led,
My madness tied me up instead.
799
I, like a spider in mad charade,
who on the nightdark tightropes played,
801
Crazed as a donkey seeing corn,
An epileptic seeing the moon new-born,
803
Quaked like a thief by treasure abased,
Reaching my hands toward her waist.
805
My hands touched purest silver (so to speak),
It was hard and I was weak.
807
Then the moon of fairest face
Laid her hand on mine with grace;
809
Fighting with kisses, that angel of war
Held off my hand from her jewelled store.
811
Saying, "Don't grab at the hidden hoard,
Grasping hands fall short of its reward.
813
Though you cannot turn from love's appeal,
No earthly force can break love's seal.
815
Patience! The dates you long to taste
Won't be made ripe by your haste.
817
Keep drinking wine, the meat will soon be here,
Watch the moon, the sun will soon appear."
819
I answered her, "O fountain of light,
My rose garden's sun, my eyes' only sight,
821
Your face is the dawn, it blooms like a flower;
Could my lamp not fade before your power?
823
You show me sweet water, then take back the cup,
Saying, "Don't drink! Close your lips, shut them up."
825
Your face appears; From its glory of light
Wisdom goes mad, struck by the sight.
827
Just as the ring lovers wear from desire,
Our bond must be forged; Cast it into my fire.
829
Ambushed by the moon, how can I fight?
How can a speck of dust contain the sun's light?
831
How can I let go of what I have caught?
You are in my arms, sorrow is not.
833
Though I am human, not of fairy birth,
Both you and I are made of earth.
835
How long must I bite my lips in anguish?
How long in longing must I languish?
837
Help me, for I must expire,
Unless tonight I reach my heart's desire.
839
Close by lips my soul grieves to death -
Give me warm kisses, not cold breath!
841
You could help me, if you would;
Fortune's help makes one's fate good.
843
Say, "I am your friend; do not sorrow for me,
I care for you, as you care for me."
845
847
My love, you're slender as a deer -
How can I sleep, how turn a deaf ear?
849
I fear that old wolf's foxy cheats,
Time's cruel tricks, the world's deceits.
851
The lion leaps; Will it devour me,
Like a leopard overpower me?
853
I cannot escape from my desire for you,
But you could free me if you would.
855
If you shut the door on my desire,
I die tonight, I burn in fire!
857
Do not withold your favor; Such disloyalty
Is never practised by true royalty!"
859
When my patience did not remain once more,
She said, "From my treasure remove your hand!"
861
I've served you as though life were my gift,
though you are from Khalluk and I from Abyssinia.
863
What more is due? How can I serve?
To give a magnificent present such as you have called for.
865
Though this desire of which you keep speaking
May be found later, you're early in seeking.
867
If heaven can come from a thorn,
* How from me, how can I do such work?
869
And if a willow can become an aloe,
* How can this really come from me?
871
Take everything that pleases you,
Except this one desire, which is unripe.
873
My cheek, my lips, my breasts are yours,
But for one pearl the treasury is yours,
875
If you do this for but one night more,
Then for a thousand nights, just as before,
877
When your heart is drowsy from wine,
my gift will be a cupbearer like the full moon.
879
* Until by her pleasure you're exalted,
And release my skirt from your hands.
881
I saw the trick of her tongue,
I heard her but I did not listen.
883
I fought for honor and content
With sharpest sword and hot intent;
885
"You fool!", my fate whispered back,
"No color comes after black."
887
* How raw I was, from thinking of gain,
* How small I became, from my excess.
889
I said, "O, you make my work so hard,
* All at once taking my peace away.
891
A hundred thousand men have died in strife,
that they might find the way to such a treasure.
893
And if I have stumbled over such a treasure,
How can I let go of it, even if I suffer?
895
It is impossible, as long as I breathe
to let your ringlets go from my hands.
897
O, light a candle for me on this throne,
Or nail me on a throne with four nails. (crucify me)
899
O, dance for me on the tablecloth,
Or call for the bloodleather and waste my blood.
901
Heart and life and thought and sight,
For you how can I wait?
903
* Longing, I sigh for you, heart-stealer,
It is free if I find a life.
905
Who doesn't want jewels for free?
and who would trade a life for such a wish?
907
Like a candle tonight I have been lit,
Which in anguish keeps burning as a lamp
909
Your burning kindles mine; like a lampwick
Alive, it burns, dead, it's marked with black.
911
When the sun changes from its course,
Sustenance becomes poor from the shorter day.
913
In this there is no pleasure, which from you I keep seeking,
So I will tell you my dream-
915
My mind sleeps, there is no doubt that
Sleep and death, surely these two are one.
917
If my eyes did not see your face,
Then tell me, what did they see?
919
If you intend to waste my blood,
Be quick, for my blood is quick.
921
And then from the blood's boiling and brain's fire,
I assaulted that beautiful flower,
923
Upon the jewelbox I quickly seized
So that I could Ruby with Carneilan alloy
925
But this was not what she wanted,
And she pleaded with me, but that did not profit her at all.
927
Patiently and tenderly
She asked for delay, but I did not listen.
929
"I swear, the treasury is yours,
Tonight a hope, tomorrow your heart's delight.
931
Tonight live on hope of the treasure,
Tomorrow night, I will complete the rest of it.
933
Be patient, tonight is not the night for union,
It's only a night, it's not a year.
935
She kept saying this, and I, like a sharp dagger,
Clung to her waist, like a blind man being led.
937
My longing for her made one seem to be a hundred.
939
941
But when she saw my violence,
My impatience and my instability,
943
She said, Close your eyes a moment,
That I might open the sweet treasury.
945
When I have opened that which you expect,
Embrace my breast, and open your eyes.'
947
For the sake of her sweet pleasantry,
I closed my eyes on the treasury.
949
When a minute's delay I gave,
She said, "Open" and I opened my eyes.
951
Then I was ready to leap on my prey,
So that the arms the bride might embrace,
953
But when I looked toward my bride,
I saw myself in the wicker basket.
955
Nobody near me, neither woman nor man,
My companions hot sighs and the cold wind.
957
Hanging like a shadow, far from her splendor,
Turktaz far from Turktaz.
961
While I hung there in fear, beneath the pillar
a motion stirred the basket's stillness.
961
My friend had returned,
and he untied the knot in the rope that held the basket.
963
With no hindrance to prevent its motion,
My basket descended from the pillar.
965
The man who had befriended, then abandoned me,
embraced me and apologized.
967
He said, "Even if I had explained it to you for a
hundred years,
you would not have believed the truth."
969
You went, and you saw what was hidden;
To whom could you tell such a tale?
971
I have been boiled in the fire of my own lust;
complaining of its tyranny, I dress in black.
973
I said, "You have suffered as I have suffered.
I accept your counsel.
975
Since I must suffer silently,
Black is the only remedy.
979
Go, friend, bring me some black silk!"
He went and brought it like dark night before me.
981
I hung my head and veiled myself with the black silk.
That same night I prepared to journey home.
983
I arrived at my own city, my heart saddened,
having overcast myself with black.
985
I am the Shah of the Black Coats,
Black like a cloud full of thunder.
989
Who by mature effort of will now intends
to turn away from immature desire.
991
Thus my lord revealed his hidden gold;
His story, better never told.
993
I, who he had bought with silver,
chose as he had chosen.
995
With Alexander, in search of the Water of Life
I journey into the blackest darknesses."
997
Black of night lends the Moon her majestic sway,
A black umbrella shades the sultan from the brilliant day.
999
There is no color preferable to black,
Fish's bones are not like fish's back.
1001
Black curls are found around young faces,
From blackness youth derives its graces.
1003
The pupil's black the world displays,
Filth on black never stays.
1005
Unless the night had black silk to spread,
Would she be worthy to make the Moon's bed?
1007
There are seven colors beneath the seven stars;
None surpasses black.
Beneath the seven stars there are seven hues,
None surpasses black.
1009
Thus the Princess of India completed her story.
1011
The king praised her, embraced her,
and they happily fell asleep together.
This entire text is copyrighted and shall not be lawfully
duplicated or sold without appropriate authorization
which is available solely from its author, Romana Machado.
© June 28, 1991 Romana Machado
All rights reserved.