Sol 5.6

  1. Ali—he is Ibn Sudun—forever says:

    Everlasting peace upon the people of passion—

  2. the greeting of a yearning lover whom fate has struck

    with separation, a volley of arrows into his innards.

  3. Because of what befell him, the waters of his tears flow,

    and passion's blaze sets his innards aflame.

  4. Thus his eye, from this torment, and his heart are

    drowned in a streaming flood, or burning in a blaze.

  5. When he spies upon a cheek its beauty marks blooming rose-red,

    tiny specks and moles of musk imitate them.

  6. The maiden's fragrant sprigs were arrayed as its hedge;

    upon it, about his temples, crawling creatures crept.

  7. Under the night of her hair he sought to steal a glance,

    but the dawn of the brow thwarted his desire.

  8. The thrust of her figure's spear enfeebles him,

    and the blade of her glance's sword wounds him.

  9. And eyebrow-bows drink of him unjustly,

    deeming the lover's killing lawful, though it is forbidden.

  10. His soul nearly departed him, taken captive,

    but the Prophet's covenant of protection saved him.

  11. A Prophet whose sanctuary's guest is never wronged—

    far be it that a guest within that sanctuary be wronged.

  12. A noble one beneath whose sandals rock grows soft,

    and in whose palm inanimate matter uttered speech.

  13. From his two fingers water poured, pure and sweet,

    and with a handful of food he fed multitudes.

  14. The moon of heaven was split for him as an honor,

    and from a scorching sun a cloud shielded him.

  15. On the back of al-Buraq he made his journey,

    in might and honor, through every station.

  16. His light surpasses the sun's splendor in a clear sky,

    and puts the full moon's light to shame.

  17. At his appearing, the universe was clothed in the lights of guidance,

    though idolatry had clothed it in a robe of darkness.

  18. His Kawthar, sought at the gathering of humankind,

    is the sweet watering place, thronged by multitudes.

  19. Caller to the paths of guidance, warding off perdition,

    and truly the messengers' beginning and seal.

  20. This is praise from Ibn Sudun for the Prophet:

    upon him be blessings forever, and peace.

Sol 5.6