Do You Love Me?

A lover asked his beloved,

Do you love yourself more

than you love me?

The beloved replied,

I have died to myself

and I live for you.

I've disappeared from myself

and my attributes,

I am present only for you.

I have forgotten all my learning

but from knowing you

I have become a scholar.

I have lost all my strength

but from your power,

I am able.

If I love myself

I love you.

If I love you

I love myself.

~ Rumi ~