Talk of the Heart — From Its Inspiration

... Who was it led you into my path and seated you but a step from my place, O stranger!... And we had hardly met before we parted — you never knew me, nor I you!

I see you the prey of bewilderment and confusion! And it is natural that you should find it hard to reconcile my composed appearance with my bold, hungry glances devouring your eyes and your brow... and your hair! Glory to Him who created this head — thus... noble and high!

Who might you be, O stranger who so quickly vanished into the crowd, leaving my two hungry eyes to run after him with the run of a despairing beggar! Would that you had flooded my heart, before your departure, with one gush of the radiance of your presence, that I might follow, for a moment, into the world of the far, far paradises... where my beloved is?!

O stranger who stormed my heart and turned away... paying me no heed — nor did I learn who you might be! The ring of your voice is sweet to my ear and overpowers my senses. How strange are coincidences! Even the tone of your voice resembles his voice... and your lips, when they part in a smile!

I implore you, by the Lord you worship, do not lose patience with me; let me savor the sanctity of this wish, and drink my fill of restful gazing into the reach of your eyes, at your broad dark brow and your jet-black hair — and close my lids upon this picture!

O stranger who broke into my heart without your knowing — and there, in its depths, is a marvelous image... as though it were the reflection of your face in the mirror!!