SHAH JEHAN TO MUMTAZ MAHAL

I see as in a pale mirage

The palm that o'er you sways,

The waters of the Jumna wan are beating.

One pearl-cloud, like a far-off Taj,

A dome of grief betrays —

Its beauty as was yours will be too fleeting!

The world is wider than I knew

Now that your face is gone!

While you were here no destiny seemed boundless.

So I am lost and find no clue

To any dusk or dawn!

Life has become a quest decayed and groundless.

Come back! come back or let me find

The jungle leads at last

Unto your lips and bosom recreated!

O somewhere I again must wind

My arms about you, cast

Into one word my love all unabated!