CXVI
The Pangs of Separation
She
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If there is anything about not parting, speak it to me: but if it is only thy quick return, tell it to those who will survive till then.
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His mere look was once a delight unto me: but now even his embrace saddeneth, for that I fear that he is to part.
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It is impossible to put trust in any, seeing that the thought of separation lurketh somewhere even in the heart of him who knoweth my heart.
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If he who bade me be of good cheer consenteth to part from me, can I be blamed for having placed my trust in his solemn promise?
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If thou wouldst save my life, O my maid, prevent the master of that life, from going: for if he part from me, I despair of our meeting again.
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When he hath the hardness to say to my very face, I shall depart, I give up all hope of his ever coming back to save me.53
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Would not my close-fitting bracelets themselves that have slipped from my wrists raise the bruit of the parting of my lord?54
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Bitter is life in a place where there are no bosom friends: but bitterer far is separation from the beloved one.
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Hath fire, which burneth only when it is touched the power, like love, to burn when it is far away?
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Many there are, are there not, who live through the pangs of leave-taking and of separation, and survive till the return of the beloved!