Sol 5.6

  1. Is it a sun within a veil of purple?

    Or a full moon rising from a bān-tree bough?

  2. Or a smiling mouth? I cannot tell—or a string of pearls?

    And that gaze—what does it hold, or is it two keen swords?

  3. A cheek where apples and roses bloom,

    with two scorpion-locks standing guard over it.

  4. The censurers ignorantly reproach me for loving him;

    hard indeed is what those two reproachers say.

  5. They said, “Musa’s slave?” I said, “Indeed.”

    They said, “How so?” I said, “He bought me.”

  6. They said, “Have you any witness to that?”

    I said, “Yes—against me stand two witnesses.”

  7. They said, “Are you content to be a slave?

    You have exposed yourself to abasement.”

  8. I said, “Yes. I am a lowly slave

    to the one I love—so leave me to my own affair.

  9. My life be ransom for the one who ransoms me with his life;

    I became his ransom when he ransomed me.

  10. I asked you for one favor—if you will grant it to me.

    He said, “Yes, I have granted it—and two favors.”

  11. I said, “Let me breathe in a rose from your cheeks.”

    He said, “And what do the two cheeks enclose?”

  12. I said, “I fear your temple-lock may see me,

    and from your glances I am far from safe.”

  13. He said, “A lover—and afraid of being shot?

    You have grown cowardly; I never knew you for a coward.

  14. Thus every lovesick heart excuses every other.

    Command whatever you wish; it is guaranteed by me.”

  15. So our taking command bore no burden of sin—

    would the two Recording Angels write it against me?

  16. Pass round the wine—bless you both—a choice vintage;

    and when it comes my way, then serve it to me.”

Sol 5.6