Chapter 4

1. O crystal heart! I the Serpent clasp Thee; I drive home mine head into the central core of Thee, O God my beloved.
    2. Even as on the resounding wind-swept heights of Mitylene some god-like woman casts aside the lyre, and with her locks aflame as an aureole, plunges into the wet heart of the creation, so I, O Lord my God!
    3. There is a beauty unspeakable in this heart of corruption, where the flowers are aflame.
    4. Ah me! but the thirst of Thy joy parches up this throat, so that I cannot sing.
    5. I will make me a little boat of my tongue, and explore the unknown rivers. It may be that the everlasting salt may turn to sweetness, and that my life may be no longer athirst.
    6. O ye that drink of the brine of your desire, ye are nigh to madness! Your torture increaseth as ye drink, yet still ye drink. Come up through the creeks to the fresh water; I shall be waiting for you with my kisses.
    7. As the bezoar-stone that is found in the belly of the cow, so is my lover among lovers.

Notes