The Soul's Verdict

: She too had words that were entirely her own; she too had feelings whose reach she could never make anyone understand, which she spoke only to herself—whispered so softly that sound barely touched the ear.

I came to know she too carried pain, which she lived with like a faithful chataka bird. That no one belongs to anyone in this world—this too she understood in sudden stormy blows, gradually drawing away without regard for her own feelings...

One day...she too became intoxicated with living for herself, she found herself emerging from the completed ruins of a moment's passion, in this brilliant flame only she now holds dominion for eternity.

Then how do you remain with her? She who belongs not to you, nor to anyone save her own soul. She is attached to nothing in this world, with her I alone dwell intimately. Why do you make this futile attempt to draw her close?

: One who remains absorbed in the beloved yet fails to recognize the divine presence within, one who loses himself in discontent yet does not become truly destitute—I truly feel pity for such a person—I can say with conviction, I am certainly not among their number.

Postscript. I have wanted to keep her close to myself, I am especially enchanted by her profound self-contemplation. Without hesitation she will remain in my possible published penance, in the luxury of unbearable joy, in the boundless emotion of tears. In every moment of my silent worship I have kept her.

May her complete understanding remain lost in my very madness—you could call this a particular desire of mine! You could even call this 'love'! Only in her have I found myself. If I say she is my soul's companion, will you be able to accept this intimate confession of her existence in my heart and mind?

: Certainly! This soul is ready to accept you. For love is that decree of the soul before which all the powers of the world are defeated.