XXVI: Upon those lips of her's is there not…

Upon those lips of her's is there not a black hand-maid?
Draw near! Khizr, at the fountain of immortality behold!

The face of the beloved is rich, both in moles and in ringlets;
For in the house of the wealthy, every requirement will be found.

When their shade over-shadoweth me, I a king become;
For the shadow of thy dark curls is that of the Huma itself.

Thy cheek is an enkindled flame--what then is thy braided hair?
It is like unto the dense black smoke, that from fire ascendeth.

The dust of those feet of thine, at the rate of amber thou vendest:
Who told thee that thou shouldst sell it at a price like this?

For how long wilt thou look another way, and appear unconscious,
When about me in every direction clamour and uproar arise?

It is through this loveliness that thou art beautiful like the rose,
If thou art, indeed, one of a father and a mother born.

He hath not the courage to take her name upon his tongue--.
The poor lover who feareth the censures and reproaches of the world.

I had given up wine, and had grown quite a penitent, indeed;
But the goblet of the cupbearer again put my contrition to flight.

He that placeth foot within her alley, bringeth destruction on himself;
Therefore, O unfortunate, into that vicinity do thou enter not!

Whether it were her coquetry, or her conceits, I could have borne them;
But towards me she manifesteth exceeding arrogance at all times.

The whole power of her mind hath she put forth against him;
And thereby hath deprived the poor lover of all energy and control.

When it may convey no significance, speaking is unprofitable;
But the Almighty willeth not that Khushhal's words be vain.

Since, on thy account, the black pupils of his eyes turned white,
Welcome unto me, O thou, of Khushhal's eyes, the light!