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THE T A R jr.M A N AL-ASHWAQ ( V l l l , I X ) 63

VIII
1. Tlioir abodes have become decayed, but desire of them is
ever new in my heart and docayeth not.
2. These,tears are shed over their ruined dwellings, but souls
ai-e ever melted at the memory of them.
3. Through love of them I called oiit behind their riding-
camels, ‘ O ye who are rich in beauty, here am I,
a beggar!
4. I have rolled my cheek in the dust in tender and passionate
aftection: then, by tltb true love which I owe to you,
do not make hopeless
5. One who is drowned in his tears and burned in the fire of
sorrow with no respite ! ’
6. O thou who wouldst kindle a lire, be not hasty ! Here is
the fire of passion. Go and take of it !

COMMEXTARY
1. ‘ Their abodes have become decayed ’ : he says, ‘ the
places of austerities and mortifications, where the Divine
Names made works (jU jil) their abode, have become decayed
thi’ough age and loss of youthful strength.’ The word c
is used in reference to the springtide of human life.
3. ‘ Behind their riding-camels,’ i.e. the powers of youth
and the delights of the commencement (AjijkJl).
4. ‘ I have rolled my cheek in the dust,’ i.e. desiring
to be united with you, for God says, ‘ Seek access to Me
indigence.
by means of that which I have not,’ viz. abasement and

G. ‘ Here is the fire of passion,’ i.e. in my heart.

IX
1. Flashes of lightning gleamed- to us at al-Abraqan, and
their peals of thunder crashed betAvecn the ribs.
2. Their clouds poured rain on every meadow and on every
quivering branch that bends towards thee.
3. The watercourses were flooded and the breeze wafted