LIGHT, MY light, the world-filling light, the eye-kissing light, heart-sweetening light! Ah, the light dances, my darling, at the centre of my life; the light strikes, my darling, the chords of my love; the sky opens, the wind runs wild, laughter passes over the earth. The butterflies spread their sails on the sea of light Lilies and jasmines surge up on the crest of the waves of light The light is shattered into gold on every cloud, my darling, and it scatters gems in profusion. Mirth spreads from leaf to leaf, my darling, and gladness without measure. The heaven's river has drowned its banks and the flood of joy is abroad.
WHAT MUSIC is that in whose measure the world is rocked? We laugh when it beats upon the crest of life, we shrink in terror when it returns into the dark. But the play is the same that comes and goes with the rhythm of the endless music. You hide your treasure in the palm of your hand, and we cry that we are robbed. But open and shut your palm as you will, the gain and the loss are the same. At the game you play with your own self you lose and win at once.
DARK CLOUDS have blotted all lights from above; and we caged birds cry and ask you: 'My friend, is it the death moment of creation? Has God withdrawn His blessings from the sky?' Times were when the sudden breath of April would waft the distant fragrance of hope into our hearts, and the morning light would gild the iron bars of our prison with its golden spell and would bring the gladness of the open world into our cage. But, see, it is all dark in the hills yonder, and not a thinnest rift has been made by the scimitar of light cutting through the massive gloom. Our chains today sit heavy on our feet, and not a flush of glow is left in the sky with which to build an illusion of joy. But let not our fear and sorrow pain you, my friend! Come not to sit at the door of our cage to cry with us. Your wings are unfettered. Far away from us you soar beyond all clouds. And from there send us the message in song: 'The light is shining for ever. The lamp of the sun is not out.'
