XXIX: When the dear friend who departed, unto her…

When the dear friend who departed, unto her friend returneth,
In truth, 'tis as if the Messiah drew near unto the dead!

Disjunction from the adored is a dire, and a black calamity;
God forbid any follower of Islam, into such affliction fall!

In such wise, hath separation caused my confidence to fail,
As when, all at once, a fiery dragon might one confront.

Through bashfulness, I am unable to look upon her sweet face--
Bleared eyes become wholly dazzled by the lightning's flash.

Neither will the promises of the fair be, hereafter, fulfilled,
Nor will the Phoenix fall entrapped, in any one's snare.

Do not become altogether hopeless of desire's attainment;
For the Almighty bringeth to the ground the birds of the air.

Since I have taken up my residence, the city of sorrow within,
For me, there is no laughter or joy, without sorrow after.

Through excessive fear of the dread morn of separation,
In the presence of the rosy-cheeked one, I like the taper weep.

By this, thy non-appearance, thus, full-well, I know,
That, either to-day or to-morrow, unto Hamid, bringeth death.