Religion

Mystic Love Dance

by Jalal al-Din Rumi 1207–1273

Translated by William Hastie, after Rückert's German (1903) · From The Festival of Spring (1903)

Religion

On with the Dance! We fly upon the Wings of Love;
We glow in all the Joys and scorn the Stings of Love.
I heard Love joyous calling from out the Realm of Death;
Lo! God hath drown'd dark Death now in living Springs of Love.
The Power of Life that loosen'd my Band when I was born,
That Hour my Mother gave me the Leading Strings of Love.
I asked Love's Self, fond nursing: How shall I Love escape?
She said: There is no Outlet from encircling Rings of Love.
Love's magic Mirror radiates a Thousand Worlds most fair;
And wondering Eyes look dazzled on all it brings of Love.
Thy Body's gold surrender to Love's refining Flames,
The Gold is Dross till boiling, all pure, it sings of Love.
I tell thee why the Ocean aye tosses glittering Spray:
It dances and it glances with Gems, Playthings of Love.
I tell thee how was Mankind a-formed from Earthy Dust:
God in the Dust inbreathèd sweet Whisperings of Love.
I tell thee why the Heavens for ever circle round:
God's Throne set in the Centre, draws All on Wings of Love.
I tell thee why the Zephyr at Morn so softly blows:
To flutter every Leaflet with the Kiss it flings of Love.
I tell thee why Night hideth in Veil so dark her Face:
She makes the World a bridal Tent, and darkling sings of Love.
I can divine all Riddles Creation puts to me,
For to her Riddles Ever, Man the Answer brings of Love.

MLA

Rumi, Jalal al-Din. “Mystic Love Dance.” Translated by William Hastie, after Rückert's German. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/rumi/90/.

Chicago

Rumi, Jalal al-Din. “Mystic Love Dance.” Translated by William Hastie, after Rückert's German. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/rumi/90/.

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