The Spirit of India Appears
Heaven split in twain. A pure born houri lifted the veil from her countenance;
on her brow shone eternal fire and light, her eyes were radiant with immortal joy.
The robe covering her was lighter than a cloud, its warp and woof of the veins of rose petals.
With all such loveliness, she was doomed to chains and fetters, and from her lips sighs of agony broke.
Rumi said, ‘See, this is the Spirit of India; the heart is broken by her lamentation.’