The Masnavi of Giti and Saeed - Part 15, 16 abd 17
Part Fifteen — The Third Cupbearer's Song
O Saqi, pour the midnight wine
That bears the ancient royal sign.
Arise and swiftly bring, I pray,
That sacred draught to light our way.
The wine that ruby lips inspire
And shakes the mountain's heart of fire.
A cup whose color glows like flame,
Beyond all count, beyond all name.
Bring forth that pure, untainted bliss
And heal me with your drunken kiss.
O minstrel, seize your sweetest flute
And strike the chords that none dispute.
Release us from this aching pain,
Recall the oaths and vows again.
Play on your harp beside the stream
Whose scent is spring, whose breath's a dream.
Blow on your reed and sing your tune,
Dance to the rhythm beneath the moon.
Rise and revive the river's song,
Lift up a melody sweet and strong.
Part Sixteen — The Response of Saeed's Relatives
They said, "Beware of love's cruel might,
Turn from this dream of sweet delight.
This deep obsession drives men mad
And leaves the heart forever sad.
You cannot bear love's crushing weight,
It shows no mercy, seals your fate.
Love's snare seems delicate but strong,
No escape once you've traveled long.
Lower your gaze and rest a while,
Turn from the magic of her smile.
She is not meant for you, dear friend,
Seek one whose love will never end.
A hundred beauties wait nearby,
But passion's fire will make you die.
If you would swear to break this chain,
A better life you could obtain.
The world is full of roses fair,
But thorns and sorrow wait you there.
Guard well against love's endless flame,
Free from the chaos, grief, and shame."
Part Seventeen — Saeed's Lament in the Love of Giti
When Saeed heard these words of pain,
Alone he wept like falling rain.
He saw how hard this path had grown
From fate's cruel wheel, cold as stone.
He raised his eyes toward the sky,
His voice a wail, a mournful cry:
"O cruel wheel with your unjust way,
You heartless wolf who steals the day!
Why burden me with sorrow's weight?
A beast that leads yet seals my fate!
A thousand thorns without one leaf,
What is your purpose bringing grief?
We long to see our lover's face
Yet are denied that perfect grace.
Our world is filled with longing's call,
But lover's smile is worth it all.
We live upon our darling's glance,
Each moment drunk in love's sweet trance.
One name alone I've memorized,
The name of her my heart has prized."
Copyright ©
Saeed Koushan
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