When Ferhâd Bound to Fair Shirin His Heart's

When Ferhâd bound to fair Shirin his heart's core,
From out his breast Love many a bitter wail tore.

On tablet of his life graved, shown was Shirin;
Of all else emptied, filled alone with Shirin.

As loathed he the companionship of mankind,
In wild beasts 'midst the hills did he his friends find.

His guide was Pain; his boon-companion, Grief's throe;
His comrade, Sorrow; and his closest friend, Woe.

Thus wand'ring on, he knew not day from dark night;
For many days he onward strayed in sad plight.

Although before his face a wall of stone rise.
Until he strikes against it, blind his two eyes.

Through yearning for his love he from the world fled;
From out his soul into his body Death sped.

Because he knew that when the earthly frame goes,
Eternal, Everlasting Being love shows.

He fervent longed to be from fleshly bonds free,
That then his life in very truth might Life see.

In sooth, till dies the body, Life is ne'er found,
Nor with the love of life the Loved One e'er found.