XII: In the world, there is no perfection without…

In the world, there is no perfection without declination;
Then, on account of declination, mourn, O perfect man!

The dread of separation was as bitter as absence itself;
Hence from association I never any pleasure derived.

From thee, the sun luminous grew, and from it the moon:
Who then, with thy face shall the full moon compare?

At thy departure, my very soul even deserteth the body;
But do not thou for a moment leave me, O image of my love!

Since I did not die when separated from her; on meeting,
I am so ashamed that I am unable to look her in the face.

The same who hath inflicted the wound upon my heart,
Hath also applied the soft bandage thereunto.

Shouldst thou pass the alley of the beloved of my heart,
Deliver, O zephyr of the morning! this message unto her--

"Tho', without thee, I am not one moment from sorrow free;
Yet, ever joyful and gay, may the Almighty keep thee!"

With much sorrow, many loving ones have been torn away--
May God never send unto us the Ghowas year again!

The fragrance of musk and amber emanateth from every word,
When Aeabd-ul-Kadir praiseth that black mole of thine.