May your charming face ever shine like the full moon;
May you hold eternal sway over the domains of beauty.
By your amorous glance you have killed a poor man like me;
How magnanimous of you? May God give you a long life.
Pray do not be cruel lest you should feel ashamed of yourself
Before your lovers on the day of judgment.
I shall be set free from the bonds of the two worlds
If you become my companion for a while.
By your wanton playfulness you must have destroyed
Thousands of hearts of lovers like that of Khusrau.

- Amir Khusrau (1253-1325 CE)

Links for Persian Literature:

• Persian Texts in Translation
• Hafiz-e Shirazi
• Persian Poetry: Verses from Rumi and Khayyam
• Persopedia - The Persian Poetry Online Library (in Farsi)

Peacock feather background, mastheader and floral decorations by Mehdi
Avatar & table image: Francisco Bosch as Bagoas, from Alexander: The Director's Cut
Thanks to ARACHNE'S WEB for the home decorating tips!