The Dancer by Sa'adi(Poem), Translated by Edwin Arnold

The Dancer

I heard how, to the beat of some quick tune,

There rose and danced a Damsel like the moon,

Flower-mouthed and Pari-faced; and all around her

Neck-stretching Lovers gathered close; but, soon

A flickering lamp-flame caught her skirt, and set

Fire to the flying gauze. Fear did beget

Trouble in that light heart! she cried amain.

Qouth one among her worshipers, "Why fret,

Tulip of Love?Th' extinguished fire hath burned

Only one leaf of thee; but I am turned

To the ashes-leaf and stalk, and flower and root—

by lamp-flash of thine eyes!"—"Ah, soul concerned

Solely with self!"—She answered, laughing low,

"If thou wert lover thou hadst not said so.

Who speaks of the Belov'd's woe is not his

Speaks of infidelity, true lovers know!"