Translation And Commentary. Lviii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], LVIII 1. Oh, is there any way to the damsels bright and fair? And is there anyone who will show me their traces? 2. And can I halt at night beside the tents of the curving sand? And can I rest at noon in the shade...
Translation And Commentary. Xxiii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXIII 1. At dawn they alighted in Wd 'l-'Aqq after having traversed many a deep ravine, 2. And at daybreak they descried a cairn shining on the top of a mountain peak. 3. When the vulture desires to reach it he is...
Translation And Commentary. Xii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XII 1. At Dh Salam and the monastery in the abode of al-im, are gazelles who show thee the sun in the forms of marble statues. 2. Therefore I watch spheres and serve in a church and guard a many-coloured meadow...
Translation And Commentary. Lv : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], LV 1. I am absent, and desire makes my soul die; and I meet him and am not cured, so 'tis desire whether I am absent or present. 2. And meeting with him creates in me what I never p. 142 imagined; and the remedy is...
Translation And Commentary. Xlix : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XLIX 1. Who will show me her of the dyed fingers? Who will show me her of the honeyed tongue? 2. She is one of the girls with swelling breasts who guard their honour, tender, virgin, and beautiful, 3. Full moons over...
Translation And Commentary. Xxiv : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXIV The author says: A dervish recited to me the following verse, to which I knew not any brother-- 'Everyone who hopes for thy bounty receives copious showers ther; thy lightning never breaks its promise of r...
Translation And Commentary. Iv : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], IV 1. Greeting to Salm and to those who dwell in the preserve, for it behoves one who loves tenderly like me to give greeting. p. 57 2. And what harm to her if she gave me a greeting in return? But fair women are...
Translation And Commentary. Xli : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XLI 1. God save a bird on a "bn" tree, a bird that has revealed to me the true story 2. How the loved ones bound the saddles on their camels and then gat them away at dawn. 3. I journeyed--and in my heart for their sake...
Translation And Commentary. Xvii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XVII 1. O driver of the reddish-white camels, do not hasten with them, but stop! for I am a cripple going after them. 2. Stop the camels and tighten their reins! I beseech thee by God, by my passion, by my anguish, O...
Translation And Commentary. Vii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], p. 61 VII 1. As I kissed the Black Stone, friendly women thronged around me; they came to perform the circumambulation with veiled faces. 2. They uncovered the (faces like) sunbeams and said to me, 'Beware...
Translation And Commentary. Xlv : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XLV 1. The loved ones of my heart--where are they? Say, by God, where are they? 2. As thou sawest their apparition, wilt thou show to me their reality? 3. How long, how long was I seeking them! and how often did I beg...
Translation And Commentary. Ii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], p. 49 II 1. On the day of parting they did not saddle the full-grown reddish-white camels until they had mounted the peacocks upon them, 2. Peacocks with murderous glances and sovereign power: thou wouldst fancy th...
Translation And Commentary. Xxvii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXVII 1. O ancient temple, there hath risen for you a light that gleams in our hearts. 2. I complain to thee of the deserts which I crossed, where I let my tears flow unchecked, 3. Taking no joy in rest at dawn or dusk...
Translation And Commentary. Lii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], LII 1. I am content with Raw as a meadow and a lodging-place, for it has a pasture in which is cool water. 2. May be, those whom I love will hear of its fertility, so that they will take it as an abode and lodging-place...
Translation And Commentary. Lx : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], LX 1. Approach the dwelling of dear ones who have taken covenants--may clouds of incessant rain pour upon it!-- 2. And breathe the scent of the wind over against their land, in desire that the (sweet) airs may tell thee...
Translation And Commentary. Xliv : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XLIV 1. The full moon appeared in the night of hair, and the black narcissus bedewed the rose. 2. A tender girl is she: the fair women were confounded by her, and her radiance outshone the moon. 3. If she enters...
Translation And Commentary. Xviii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XVIII 1. Halt at the abodes and weep over the ruins and ask the decayed habitations a question. 2. 'Where are the loved ones? Where are their camels gone?' (They answer), 'Behold them traversing the vapour in the desert...
Translation And Commentary. Xxix : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], p. 107 XXIX 1. May my father be the ransom of the boughs swaying to and fro as they bend, bending their tresses towards the cheeks! 2. Loosing plaited locks of hair; soft in their joints and bends; 3. Trailing skirts...
Translation And Commentary. Iii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], III 1. O my two friends, pass by al-Kathb and turn towards La'la' and seek the waters of Yalamlam, 2. For there dwell those whom thou knowest and those to whom belong my fasting and my pilgrimage and my visit...
Translation And Commentary. Xxxii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXXII 1. Our talk between al-aditha and al-Karkh recalls to me the period of youth and its prime. 2. I said to myself: 'After fifty years, when through long meditation I have become as weak as a young bird, 3. It...
Translation And Commentary. Xxv : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXV 1. O grief for my heart, O grief! O joy for my mind, O joy! 2. In my heart the fire of passion is burning, in my mind the full moon of darkness hath set. p. 98 3. O musk! O full moon! O bough of the sand-hills! How...
Translation And Commentary. Xliii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], p. 129 XLIII 1. Let me never forget my abode at Wna and my saying to camel-riders as they departed and arrived, 2. 'Stay beside us a while that we may be comforted thereby, for I swear by those whom I love that I am...
Translation And Commentary. Xxxi : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXXI 1. A lightning-cloud gleamed at Dht al-A, with light flashing over the plain ther, 2. And the thunder of its secret converse cracked, and its rain-cloud let fall copious showers. 3. They called to one another:...
Translation And Commentary. Xxxviii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXXVIII 1. The dearest place on God's earth to me after ayba and Mecca and the Farther Temple is the city of Baghdn. 1 2. How should I not love the (City of) Peace, since I have there an Imm who is the guide of my...
Translation And Commentary. Lvi : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], LVI 1. (My goal is) the corniced palace of Baghdd, not the corniced palace of Sindd, 1 2. The city set like a crown above the gardens, as though she were a bride who has been unveiled in the most fragrant chamber. 3...
Translation And Commentary. Xxxvi : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXXVI 1. O earth of the Highland, mayst thou be a blessed highland! May the rain-clouds water thee abundantly with shower on shower! p. 121 2. And may he who has greeted thee for fifty years greet thee once and twice...
Translation And Commentary. Xv : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XV 1. They left me at al-Uthayl and an-Naq shedding tears and complaining of the fire (that consumed me). 2. My father be the ransom of him for whose sake I melted with anguish! My father be the ransom of him for whose...
Translation And Commentary. I : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], p. 48 TRANSLATION AND COMMENTARY I 1. Would that I were aware whether they knew what heart they possessed! 2. And would that my heart knew what mountain-pass they threaded! 3. Dost thou deem them safe or dost thou deem...
Translation And Commentary. Xl : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XL 1. Between Adhri't and Bur a maid of fourteen rose to my sight like a full moon. 2. She was exalted in majesty above Time and transcended it in pride and glory. 3. Every full moon, when it reaches perfection, suffers...
Title Page : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], THE TARJUMN AL-ASHWQ A COLLECTION OF MYSTICAL ODES BY MUYI'DDN IBN AL-'ARAB EDITED FROM THREE MANUSCRIPTS WITH A LITERAL VERSION OF THE TEXT AND AN ABRIDGED TRANSLATION OF THE AUTHOR'S COMMENTARY THEREON BY REYNOLD...
Translation And Commentary. Xvi : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XVI 1. They (the women) mounted the howdahs on the swift camels and placed in them the (damsels like) marble statues and full moons, 2. And promised my heart that they should return; but do the fair promise anything...
Translation And Commentary. Xlvii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], p. 134 XLVII 1. O dove on the "bn" tree at Dht al-Gha, I am oppressed by the burden thou hast laid upon me. 2. Who can support the anguish of love? Who can drain the bitter draught of destiny? 3. I say in my grief...
Translation And Commentary. Xx : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XX 1. My lovesickness is from her of the lovesick eyelids: console me by the mention of her, console me 2. The grey doves fluttered in the meadows and wailed: the grief of these doves is from that which grieved me. 3...
Translation And Commentary. Xlviii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XLVIII 1. O camel-driver, turn aside at Sal' and halt by the "bn" tree of al-Mudarraj, 2. And call to them, imploring their pity and grace, 'O my princes, have ye any consolation?' 3. At Rma, between an-Naq and jir, is...
Translation And Commentary. Xxx : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXX 1. In the tamarisk groves of an-Naq is a flock of "qa" birds over whom Beauty has pitched a tent, 2. And in the midst of the deserts of Iam are camels which graze beside them and gazelles. 3. O my two friends, stop...
Xxvii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], p. 120 XXXIV 1. At the hill among the mountains of Zard are haughty lions, by the looks of lissome women 2. Overthrown, though they were bred in the carnage of war. What match are the lions for the black eyes? 3...
Translation And Commentary. Vi : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], p. 60 VI 1. When they departed, endurance and patience departed. They departed, although they were dwelling in the core of my heart. 2. I asked them where the travellers rested at noon, and I was answered, 'Their...
Translation And Commentary. Xxvi : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXVI 1. In the valley-curve between the two stony tracts is the trysting-place. Make our camels kneel, for here is the journey's end. 2. Do not seek (any other spot) and do not call after this, 'O Briq! O jir! O Thahmad...
Translation And Commentary. X : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], X 1. She said, 'I wonder at a lover who in conceit of his merits walks proudly among flowers in a garden.' 2. I replied, 'Do not wonder at what thou seest, for thou hast beheld thyself in the mirror of a man.'...
Introduction : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], p. 1 THE TARJUMN AL-ASHWQ Although Ibn al-'Arab (560-638 A.H.) is the most celebrated of all Muammadan mystics, the only one of his 150 extant works that has hitherto appeared in a European edition is the brief glossary...
Translation And Commentary. Liii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], LIII 1. Whenever we meet to take farewell thou wouldst deem us, as we clasp and embrace, to be a doubled letter. 2. Although our bodies are dual, the eye sees only a single one. 3. This is because of my leanness and his...
Translation And Commentary. Lxi : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], LXI 1. O "bn" tree of the valley, on the bank of the river of Baghdd! 2. A mournful dove that cooed on a swaying bough filled me with grief for thee. 3. His plaintive song reminds me of the plaintive song of the lady...
Translation And Commentary. Xxxiii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXXIII 1. I respond with diverse notes of grief to every cooing dove perched upon a bough in a grove. 2. She weeps for her mate without tears, but from my eyelids the tears of sorrow are streaming. 3. I say to her, when...
Translation And Commentary. Xxi : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXI 1. O garden of the valley, answer the lady of the preserve and her who hath shining front-teeth, O garden of the valley 2. And let a little of thy shades o'ershadow her for a short time until she be settled...
Translation And Commentary. Xxviii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXVIII 1. Between an-Naq and La'la' are the gazelles of Dht al-Ajra', 2. Grazing there in a dense covert of tangled shrubs, and pasturing. 3. New moons never rose on the horizon of that hill 4. But I wished, from fear...
Untitled : * One of the most prolific of the medieval Sufi writers, al-Arabi wrote over 150 books. Unfortunately, very little of this output was translated, up to the early 20th century. This is Reynold Nicholson's translation of the Tarjuman al-Ashwaq, or the 'Interpreter of Desires,' the first editi...
Translation And Commentary. Xxxv : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXXV 1. Three full moons, unadorned by any ornament, went forth to at-Tan'm with veiled faces. 2. They unveiled shining faces like suns and cried with a loud voice 'Labbayka', visiting the holy shrines. 3. And they...
Translation And Commentary. Xxxvii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXXVII 1. O my two comrades, approach the guarded pasture and seek Najd and yonder sign that marks the way, 2. And come down to a well at the tents of the curving sand and beg shade of its "l" and "salam" trees. 3...
Translation And Commentary. Xlvi : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XLVI 1. There is a war of love between the entrails and the large eyes, and because of that war the heart is in woe. 2. Dark-lipped and Swart is she, her mouth honeyed: the p. 132 evidence of the bees is the white honey...
Translation And Commentary. L : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], L 1. Oh, the traitress! She has left bitten by her viper-like locks one who would fain approach her, 2. And she bends her soft eye and melts him and leaves him sick on his bed. 3. She shot the arrows of her glances...
Translation And Commentary. Lvii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], LVII 1. O breeze of the wind, bear to the gazelles of Najd this message: 'I am faithful to the covenant which ye know.' 2. And say to the young girl of the tribe, 'Our trysting-place is at the guarded pasture beside...
Translation And Commentary. Xi : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XI 1. O doves that haunt the "ark" and "bn" trees, have pity! Do not double my woes by your lamentation! 2. Have pity! Do not reveal, by wailing and weeping, my hidden desires and my secret sorrows! 3. I respond to her...
Translation And Commentary. V : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], V 1. My longing sought the Upland and my affliction the Lowland, so that I was between Najd and Tihma. 2. They are two contraries which cannot meet: hence my disunion will never be repaired. 3. What am I to do? Wh...
Translation And Commentary. Ix : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], IX 1. Flashes of lightning gleamed to us at al-Abraqn, and their peals of thunder crashed between the ribs. 2. Their clouds poured rain on every meadow and on every quivering branch that bends towards thee. 3...
Preface : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], p. vii PREFACE Whatever view may be taken of the respective merits of Arabic and Persian poetry, I think it will generally be allowed by those familiar with the mystical literature of both nations that the Arabs excel...
Translation And Commentary. Xix : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XIX 1. O mouldering remains (of the encampment) at al-Uthayl, where I played with friendly maidens! 2. Yesterday it was cheerful and smiling, but to-day it has become desolate and frowning. 3. They went far away and I...
Translation And Commentary. Xiii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XIII 1. A ringdove wailed and a sad lover complained, and he was grieved by her trilling note and complaint. 2. Tears flowed from their eyes in distress for her complaint, and 'twas as tho' they (the tears) were...
Translation And Commentary. Liv : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], LIV 1. They said, 'The suns are in the heavenly sphere.' Where should the sun dwell but in heaven? 2. When a throne is set up, there must be a king to sit erect upon it. 3. When the heart is purged of its ignorance...
Translation And Commentary : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], p. 150 p. 151 INDEX I. PERSONS, PLACES, AND BOOKS Names of persons and places are printed in Roman type, whether they occur in the translation or in that portion of the Arabic text which has not been translated. Titles...
Translation And Commentary. Xlii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XLII 1. O men of intelligence and understanding, I am distraught between the sun and the gazelles. 2. He who forgets Suh is not forgetful, but he who forgets the sun is forgetful. 3. Let him offer himself to his herd...
Translation And Commentary. Li : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], LI 1. At Dht al-A and al-Ma'zimn and Briq and Dh Salam and al-Abraqn to the traveller by night 2. Appear flashes of swords from the lightnings of smiling mouths like musk-glands, the odour wher none is permitted...
Translation And Commentary. Xiv : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XIV 1. He saw the lightning in the east and he longed for the east, but if it had flashed in the west he would have longed for the west. p. 75 2. My desire is for the lightning and its gleam, not for the places...
Translation And Commentary. Lix : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], LIX 1. ayba hath a gazelle from whose witching eye (glances like) the edge of a keen blade are drawn, 2. And at 'Araft I perceived what she desired and I was not patient, 3. And on the night of Jam' we had union with...
Translation And Commentary. Xxii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXII 1. Turn the camels aside towards the stony tract of Thahmad, where are the tender branches and the humid meadow, 2. Where the lightnings show to thee their flashes, where the clouds pass at eve and morn, 3...
Translation And Commentary. Xxxix : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], XXXIX 1. My soul be the ransom of fair-complexioned and coy virgins who played with me as I was kissing the Pillar and the Stone! 2. When thou art lost in pursuit of them, thou wilt find no guide but in their scent...
Translation And Commentary. Viii : * "The Tarjuman al-Ashwaq", by Ibn al-Arabi, tr. Reynold A. Nicholson, [1911], p. 63 VIII 1. Their abodes have become decayed, but desire of them is ever new in my heart and decayeth not. 2. These tears are shed over their ruined dwellings, but souls are ever melted at the memory of them. 3...
