Sol 5.6

  1. I shall not forget the beloved as long as I live.

    By my life, though they have gone far away.

  2. They recited the verse of farewell, then fell

    prostrate for fear of parting, weeping.

  3. At their memory my tears pour down

    whenever I yearn for them, morning and evening.

  4. They went away after a visit, and I began calling

    through the pitch-dark night in a hushed voice.

  5. And I commune with God out of love’s excess,

    as His servant Zechariah communed with Him.

  6. My bones have grown frail from separation—so grant me,

    Lord, through nearness, a guardian from Your presence.

  7. Answer my prayer, my Master, for I

    have never, Lord, been wretched in praying to You.

  8. Parting has worn my heart away; indeed,

    the day of parting was a monstrous thing.

  9. Would that I had died before this, and been

    among mankind a thing forgotten, utterly forgotten.

  10. It was not of my choosing, but

    a matter destined and decreed.

  11. O my two dear friends, leave me alone with my passion:

    I most deserve to burn in the fire of my love.

  12. Indeed, in separation I have tears that obey me,

    a merciless passion, and patience that rebels.

  13. Caught between my reproacher, my love, and my longing,

    I stand bewildered—which is fiercest in rebellion?

  14. I am the master of love; whoever follows me,

    I shall guide him upon love’s straight path.

  15. I am dead from love; the day I see you

    will be the day I am raised alive.

Sol 5.6