Note 223 — Chapter X
Edward Rehatsek translation
Oriental poetry abounds in conceits of this kind. Thus Wásif, the celebrated Persian historian and poet, apostrophises his lady-love: “The impression of the happy moments passed in thy loved presence will never be obliterated from the tablet of my heart, whilst the world revolves and the stars continue their course. The pen of intense love has so vividly written Eternal Affection on the page of my soul, that if my body languish, nay, even if my life expire, that soft impress will remain.”—But our own poet Cowley is not a whit less extravagant when he declares:
“Let Nature, if she please, disperse My atoms over all the universe; At the last they easily shall Themselves know, and together call; For thy love, like a mark, is stampt on all— ALL OVER LOVE!”