XXVII: My friend observeth none of the usages of…

My friend observeth none of the usages of affection towards me!
Alas, my dark, dark destiny! shine out a little on me!

Let me some day, at least, to mine own, that lip press,
That every hour sippeth up the very blood of my heart!

Through her unkindness, even yet, thou rubbest thine eyes with thy hand:
Then why, after the fair, runnest thou again, poor wretch?

My friend, through coquetry or playfulness, speaketh incoherently to me,
Or her lips adhere together, from the sugar of their sweetness.

The load of love, which neither earth nor heavens can bear--
With what strength wouldst thou raise it, thou improvident one?

Alas, that I had not become enamoured, when I first fell in love!
Now, whatever it is, this must be, with a good grace, borne.

Gazing upon the countenances of the beautiful, is Hamid's calling;
The eyes of the coward only, become dazzled at the gleam of the sword!