Nr. 272
Calcutta nr. 272 *
Ouseley MS 140 - 2
If I talk of the mystery with Thee in a tavern,
it is better than if I make my devotions before the Mihrab without Thee.
O Thou, the first and last of all created beings!
burn me an Thou wilt, or cherish me an Thou wilt.
Christensen 1927 - 52
If I tell Thee my secrets in the tavern, it is better
than to perform the prayer in the mihráb without Thee.
O Thou, the beginning and the end of all creation.
burn me, if such is Thy will, cherish me, if such is Thy will.
Heron-Allen 1899 - 77
If I talk of the mystery with Thee in a tavern,
It is better than if I make my devotions before the Mihrab without Thee.
O Thou, the first and last of all created beings,
Burn me an Thou wilt, or cherish me an Thou wilt.
Nicolas 1867 - 222
J'aime mieux être avec toi dans la taverne, et te dire là mes secrètes pensées, que d'aller sans toi faire la prière au méhrab. Oui ô Créateur de tout ce qui fut et de tout ce qui est! telle est ma foi, soit que tu me fasses brûler, soit que tu m'accordes tes faveurs.
Payne 1898 - 465
In the tavern with Thee better secrets to say
Than without Thee it were in the prayer-niche to pray!
O Thou, of all creatures the First and the Last,
At Thy pleasure, caress or consume me away!
Thompson 1906 - 305
In taverns better I commune with Thee
Than far from Thee in mosques feign piety;
O Thou of all created first and last!
If Thou wilt, burn, if Thou wilt, cherish me!
Whinfield 1883 - 262
In taverns better far commune with Thee,
Than pray in mosques, and fail Thy face to see!
O first and last of all Thy creatures
Thou,'Tis Thine to burn, and Thine to cherish me!