The Masnavi of Giti and Saeed - Part 24, 25 and 26

Part Twenty-Four — The Fifth Cupbearer's Song O Saqi, one glance—show mercy here, And heal this wound with wine so clear. Fill up the cup for we are dry, Drunk with desire that makes us sigh. That cup like chalice of the kings, Whose breath brought joy to all good things. A draught that when it's poured for any, Banishes sorrow, heals so many. Bring forth that heavy goblet bright To ease the heart and bring the light. O minstrel, play that reed of fire, How long must I bear this desire? Play me a tune that lifts me high Beyond this realm up to the sky. Strike the harp with soulful art, Let music fire every heart. Play us like the lute's sweet tone Till sorrow flees and joy has grown. A hand for mine has lost its might, A step for I've collapsed in flight. Part Twenty-Five — Saeed Comes to Ask for Giti's Hand One day with longing burning bright, Young Saeed rose in morning light. To see his dear he made his way With family beside him on that day. With humble prayer and whispered plea, He sought her door on bended knee. Toward Giti's grace their steps were drawn By stars of fate and fortune's dawn. Drunk with dreams and rapture's glow, A cup of hope his heart did show. He prayed that she might yield, give sign, And let his destiny with hers align. For Giti was his final aim, Each thread of her love's woven flame. His heart within her tresses tied As if by fate itself allied. Her face outshone both sun and moon, Her union sweeter than life's boon. They said, "This rose with beauty crowned Has left our restless hearts spellbound." "We wish to plant love's sacred seed And celebrate this blessed deed." Part Twenty-Six — Giti Falls for Saeed Sweet Giti, scented like the rose, The queen of beauty, heaven chose. Her hair a snare of midnight's hue, Her brows like archer's deadly view. Her glances sharp with secret fire, No heart could flee that sweet desire. To hunt down hearts with lashes drawn, Her eyes like weapons of the dawn. With every breath she'd steal a heart, With every smile, new life would start. Her heart, a chest, unlocked its door: "What burns in him burns in me more!" That night her thoughts with Saeed stayed, His name upon her lips she prayed. It seemed that love had found its home Within her heart's most sacred dome. At once the world and all it knew Felt dear as if love made all new. As though sweet Venus closed her sight To all but him, her chosen light.