Ode CXIX: A heart quick to thrill when

A heart quick to thrill when touched by Beauty has drawn thee far, although Youth has sped long since, and grey hairs invade thy brow.

It fills all my thought with Laila, distant though now her home, and matters of weight stand twixt us, obstacles manifold.

In comfort she dwells — no speech with her is for me to gain : a guard waits before her door, forbidding all visitors.

Whenas forth her husband fares, no secret of his she tells ; and when he again comes home, yea, sweet is his home-coming.

But what boots the thought of her to thee who art far away? the well where she draws is dug to serve her in Tharmada.

Nay, deem me not scant of wit, untaught in Love's mysteries — on thee may the rain-fraught clouds send down their life-giving streams !

A mass from the South, piled up, presenting a towering side, borne North by a gentle wind, when downward the Sun inclines.

And if ye seek lore of women, verily I am skilled in all their devices, wise to probe to the root their ails :

When grey grows a man's head, or his substance gets less and less, no share can he hope to win of friendship with womankind ;

They long for abundant wealth, and look where they think to find, and freshness of youth takes chiefest place in their wondering eyes.

So leave her, and cast care from thy heart with a sturdy mount — a camel that ambles tireless, carrying riders twain ;