I played day and night with my comrades,
and now I am greatly afraid.
So high is my Lord’s palace,
my heart trembles to mount its stairs:
yet I must not be shy, if I would enjoy His love.
My heart must cleave to my Lover;
I must withdraw my veil,
and meet Him with all my body:
Mine eyes must perform the ceremony of the lamps of love.
Kabîr says: ‘Listen to me, friend:
he understands who loves.
If you feel not love’s longing for your Beloved One,
it is vain to adorn your body,
vain to put unguent on your eyelids.’
