Song Offerings

The night is nearly spent 
waiting for him in vain. 
I fear lest in the morning 
he suddenly come to my door 
when I have fallen asleep wearied out. 
Oh friends, leave the way open to him - 
forbid him not.

If the sounds of his steps does not wake me, 
do not try to rouse me, I pray. 
I wish not to be called from my sleep 
by the clamorous choir of birds, 
by the riot of wind at the festival of morning light. 
Let me sleep undisturbed 
even if my lord comes of a sudden to my door.

Ah, my sleep, precious sleep, 
which only waits for his touch to vanish. 
Ah, my closed eyes that would open their lids only 
to the light of his smile when he stands before me 
like a dream emerging from darkness of sleep.

Let him appear before my sight 
as the first of all lights and all forms. 
The first thrill of joy to my awakened soul 
let it come from his glance. 
And let my return to myself 
be immediate return to him.

Light, my light, the world-filling light,
the eye-kissing light, heart-sweetening light!

Ah, the light dances, my darling, at the centre of my life;
the light strikes, my darling, the chords of my love;
the sky opens, the wind runs wild, laughter passes over the earth.

The butterflies spread their sails on the sea of light.
Lilies and jasmines surge up on the crest of the waves of light.

The light is shattered into gold on every cloud, my darling,
and it scatters gems in profusion.

Mirth spreads from leaf to leaf, my darling,
and gladness without measure. 
The heaven's river has drowned its banks 
and the flood of joy is abroad.

Thus it is that thy joy in me is so full. 
Thus it is that thou hast come down to me. 
O thou lord of all heavens, 
where would be thy love if I were not?

Thou hast taken me as thy partner 
of all this wealth. 
In my heart is the endless play of thy delight. 
In my life thy will is ever taking shape.

And for this, thou who art the King of kings 
hast decked thyself in beauty 
to captivate my heart. 
And for this thy love loses itself 
in the love of thy lover, 
and there art thou seen 
in the perfect union of two.

O thou the last fulfilment of life, 
Death, my death, come and whisper to me!
Day after day I have kept watch for thee; 
for thee have I borne the joys and pangs of life.
All that I am, that I have, that I hope 
and all my love have ever flowed towards thee 
in depth of secrecy. 
One final glance from thine eyes 
and my life will be ever thine own.
The flowers have been woven and the garland 
is ready for the bridegroom. 
After the wedding the bride shall leave her home
and meet her lord alone 
in the solitude of night.