Mystical Poems of Rumi 2 (201-400)

256
I have heard that you are intending to journey; do not. That will give your love to another friend and companion; do not.
You are a stranger in the world; why do you estrange yourself? What heart-wounded victim are you aiming at? Do not.
Do not steal yourself from us, do not go to strangers. You are stealthily glancing at others; do not.
Moon for whom the heavens are topsy-turvy, you waste us and turn us topsy-turvy; do not.
......My lawless eye is the thief of your beauty. Beloved, you requite the thievish eye; do not.
Withdraw comrade, for it is no time for speech. Why do you thrust yourself forward in the bewilderment of love? Do not.

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282
Sit with your comrades, do not go to sleep; do not go to the bottom of the sea like a fish.
Be surging all night like the sea; no, do not go scattered like a torrent.
Is not the water of life in darkness? Seek in darkness, and do not hurry away.
The nightfarers of heaven are full of light; you too, go not away from the company of your companions.
Is not the wakeful candle in a golden dish? Go not into earth like quicksilver.
The moon shows its face to the night-travelers; be watchful, on the night of moonshine do not go.

(translated by A. J. Arberry)