From the Arabic

Why art thou so hushed and sad,
So thin and wan?
Who robbed thee of thy flesh and song⁠—
Was it Ramadhan?

Nay, Ramadhan is not to blame,
For I have ceased to fast and pray;
But to my vacant Dwelling came
An unknown Guest⁠—he came to stay.

And in my heart he eats and drinks;
He drinks my blood, of wines the best,
And eats my burning flesh⁠—ah, yes,
My love for Zahra is that Guest.