The Reed Flute (Masnavi, opening)
The Reed Flute (Masnavi, opening)
Jalal ad-Din Rumi
Hearken to the reed, how it tells a tale of separation,
Saying, "Ever since I was parted from the reed-bed,
My lament hath caused man and woman to moan.
I want a bosom torn by severance,
That I may unfold to such a one the pain of love-desire.
Every one who was severed from his origin
Seeks again the time of his union with it.
In every company I uttered my wailing notes;
I consorted with the unhappy and with them that rejoice.
Every one became my friend from his own opinion;
From within me no one sought out my secrets.
My secret is not far from my plaint,
But eye and ear lack that light to perceive it.
Body is not veiled from soul, nor soul from body,
Yet no man hath permission to see the soul.
This noise of the reed is fire, not wind;
Let him who lacks this fire be nothing!
The fire of love hath set the reed on fire;
The love-frenzy hath set the wine in ferment.
The reed is the companion of every stranger;
Its veils have rent asunder all our secrets."
Verse breaks and indentation are preserved. Wrapped lines have a hanging indent. Width adapts to your screen.
Written c. 1258. Translation by E. H. Whinfield, 1887. · Translated by E. H. Whinfield
