A new translation of ode 436 by Maryam Daftari and Ali Arsanjani as a gift for the New Year 2010:
He asked who is at the door?
It is I, your humblest servant
He asked What are you here for?
I said, only to bid you "good health"
He asked, how long will you continue?
until you summon me, I said
He asked, how long will you be fervent?
I said, until the Day of Judgement
I made a case for my love
And I swore many a time
From love I repulsed your
dominion and your courage
He said, to make a case,
the judge needs a witness
My tears are my witness
And the paleness of my face
He said, your witness is unsuitable
Your eye's skirt; it is still wet
I submit to the magnificence of Your justice
The witness is just; without recompense
He asked who was your companion
I said, only thoughts of you, my King
He asked, who summoned you here?
I said, the fragrance of your soul
He asked, what are you determined to do?
I said, loyalty and companionship
He asked, what do want of me?
I said, your all encompassing grace
He asked, where is the merrier place?
I said, the king’s palace
He asked, what did you see there?
a hundred miracles, I replied
He asked, why, then, is it empty?
for fear of plundering, I replied
Who is the plunderer? he asked
This sense of remorse, I replied
He asked, where, then, is safety?
In forbearance and self-restraint, I said.
He asked, what is self-restraint?
the path of wholesomeness, I said.
He asked where is this malady?
I said, winding on the road of your love
When you are there, how will you be?, he asked
I will be unwavering, said I.
Silence. For if I utter the meaning of His words
You will forfeit yourself, and have no roof or door
