Whenever I speak Your Name with my tongue
I travel a hundred miles in one moment.

With Your Name, though all around is dry,
I set the boat of my Spirit in motion.

From these oceans I have in front of me
I send forth a torrent from my eyes.

From Your Name I make myself a boat,
and set the boat moving, with this aim:

that through its movement's force I may gain
my eternal heart's desire in one breath.

I saddle up a celestial steed,
then ride it around the whole universe.

I gallop that horse beyond Time's three states,
ride on past the six directions of Space.

Each step of the way I send out a Hood
from my eyes as they pour out my blood.

By this Kingdom, now the realm of 'Attar,
I ride through a world beyond all trace.


* Translated by M.I. Waley from the Diwan of Shaykh 'Attar,
ed. Tafazzuli, p. 423: no. 571




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