By Bedil the famous Persian poet
Translated by Prof Bhagwat Swaroop
Quoted by Prof SAH Abidi in Calcutta conference, before his retirement as he felt an emotional turmoil within him
That you stroll in the midst of jasmine and cypress, to me looks hardly fair
Just enter the blossoming garden of your heart and breathe in its fragrant air.
In quest of the musk pads of faded scent in vain you wander near and far
Writhe in the pain at the thought of her musky curls and lo! You yourself are in Tatar
Under the powerful magic of your carnal self for cling to you worthless physical frame.
Who else could drag you to this ancient methinks in utter shame
You live like cattle and beast, your passion is all that you own
Lead a normal life like us, your madness why bemoan?
In pangs of separation, see, how in despair my heart has bled
Pray, come and by your Messiah- like touch, infuse new life in my body dead
Like the wind have I fled from this illusory world to escape from its crippling load
You, toi, can split the dewdrop and seek asylum in my heart abode
Neither voice sublime, nor whimper low, neither outcry of abandon nor sober calm,
How long this gloomy silence? Murmur like morning breeze and give your drooping spirits a soothing balm
Why suffer the barrier of quest and enter the heaven of peace forever.
To which mirror has your gaze been fixed?
Your vision be dimmed by a murky cloud,
Watch out, your heedless lover,and see
Your butchered body needs a spotless shroud
From the splendid court of God an angel gives a constant distinct call.
Bidding me enter and stay forever in love’s majestic hall.
O Be dil quit this mortal frame, let not your passion lead you astray.
Miserable stranger, repair to your abode and forever be happy and gay