The Masnavi of Giti and Saeed - Part 12, 13 and 14

Part Twelve — Saeed Meets Giti He reached her street, his senses fled, As if his earthly time had sped. The wind arose with scents so rare, Her fragrance floating on the air. He knew by grace of heaven above That near him dwelt his truest love. Swift as the breeze, to her he came, With trembling heart and soul aflame. Before her face so fair he stood And gently spoke as best he could: "If you would grant your grace to me And open wide your door so free, I wish to show my heart's devotion In loyal love and pure emotion. That I may speak of all I've known In nights apart I've wept alone. One moment without you brings despair, The world without you, false and bare. If I must burn within love's snare, Still better than to look elsewhere." Part Thirteen — Giti's Reply to Saeed Sweet Giti, jewel of time and space, With glances veiled, ruled time and place. A hundred hearts her eyes enslaved, Those wine-dark depths, so deep and brave. A secret long the cypress kept Now to the light at last has crept. Even Venus bit her lip in awe, Stunned by the charm that all hearts saw. For fate, with its most cruel art, Has cast pure beauty down apart. That moon, once veiled, now lit the night, And stars fell tumbling from the sight. She said, "A thousand souls I win With just one glance, one teasing grin. This goblet's not meant for all to share, It lifts some high, leaves others bare. The path of love is never light, Come with your pain, your tears, your plight. Be tempered in love's searing flame And ready for this fearless game." Part Fourteen — Saeed Speaks with His Kin Poor Saeed returned, forlorn and spent, His soul in pain, his shoulders bent. A storm of aching in his chest, And floods of tears denied him rest. It seemed as if the world had died Or time itself could not abide. He said unto his family dear, "O light of eyes, my loved ones here, From east to west, I seek no gold But one—sweet Giti, brave and bold. No greater wish fills up my heart, Her face alone can peace impart. When she is near, the world is sweet Without her, joy is incomplete. As long as I draw breath and sigh, Without her grace, I long to die. Come walk with me and plead my case To win her heart, her sweet embrace. Tell her my love runs true and deep, And help me what I've failed to reap."