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Nizami – Makhzanol Asrar (The Treasury of Mysteries) – extract from Poets and Poetry 02

When the steed of his eloquence is heated by words,
life itself comes out to kiss his lips.

To dig out the ruby from the mine,
he penetrates the seven spheres of heaven.

He assigns the child, his flowing poetry,
to his poetic talent, the father.

The curved heaven comes forth to serve him;
he will be safe from the calamity of serving others.

His prayers will bring comfort to mankind;
his words will be a seal on their tongues.

Whoso paints this picture, attach thyself
to his words, because he is a poet

I would call him the Jupiter of the magic word and deem him
to be the Venus who caused the downfall of Harut.

This baggage train which was captured by warrior knights,
was debased by mean poets.

It has dazed my judgement to know that poets
have dishonoured poetry.

How can the fruit of the heart, which is worth life itself
be like water to be exchanged for a loaf?

Oh heaven, since these knots which they have tied on their belts,
are beyond the reach of thy hands,

The work is beyond thy reach; untie these knots
in the cord of speech with thy toe.