Sol 5.6

  1. Beloved, separation is no thing we can endure,

    Yet it is among the decrees ordained from eternity.

  2. Beloved, our minds are swept away

    Toward you by bonds of pure affection—ask no more.

  3. We thirst for meeting, and a fire of sorrow burns in us;

    But for solace, even the mountain would melt in its heat.

  4. Your watering places are from us, while your own watering place lies

    With you, and the thirsty have no hope.

  5. So we withdraw into remembrance, though it cannot cure our thirst;

    Rather, it burns hotter in the heart than flames.

  6. It stirs the agonies of passion and the choking griefs of separation,

    And remembrance reopens them whenever their wound has healed.

  7. Perhaps breaths of relief, by our Lord’s grace,

    Will blow, reuniting what was sundered after union.

  8. And perhaps the meadows of fellowship will see their pastures green

    With a downpour of God’s mercy streaming forth,

  9. Quenching those maddened by thirst after their lovesick wandering,

    As water draws near for their first and second draughts.

  10. Beloved, no mortal commands his own affair,

    Nor can any manner of stratagem repel destiny.

  11. We desire a settled life, delight, and fellowship,

    But that is a matter not attributable to causes.

  12. The All-Merciful has indeed ordered His servants’ affairs;

    So put aside “until,” “when,” “perhaps,” and “will it ever be?”

  13. He orders whatever He chooses—such is His governance—

    Though, in the eyes’ judgment, its fetter may feel constricting.

  14. Ours is to accept whatever fate brings,

    And welcome what we sip of bitter aloes and honey.

Sol 5.6