Sol 5.6

  1. When my home grew distant and the length of my journey stretched far,

    I made my letter stand in for my visit.

  2. When nearness to the beloved and reunion elude me,

    in remembering them are my wine, my spirit, and my repose.

  3. Now I picture them before me; now I dwell upon their memory;

    and now I commune with them by sending my words.

  4. If no downpour of generosity’s rain should drench them,

    then its merest dew will cool some of my burning.

  5. They are the folk: no companion of theirs is wretched among them;

    whoever loves them will join them on Resurrection Day.

  6. Even if I am not of them, surely I love them,

    and if my love is true, it is my greatest honor.

  7. If you accept me, it is grace and a gift;

    if you shut me out, it is what my transgression has earned.

  8. No blame, then, nor reproach upon you, for I

    confess my burdens of sin and my many offenses.

  9. By God, be generous, my masters, and intercede

    for my heart to be cured of every form of hardness.

  10. My God, for the sake of these folk, bestow repentance,

    sincere and true, through which we may attain felicity;

  11. and two thousand blessings, then two thousand salutations,

    upon the Chosen One, the Family, and then the Companions.

Sol 5.6