Ever in my life have I sought thee with my songs.  It was they who led me from door to door, and with them have I felt about me, searching and touching my world.

It was my songs that taught me all the lessons I ever learnt; they showed me secret paths, they brought before my sight many a star on the horizon of my heart.

They guided me all the day long to the mysteries of the country of pleasure and pain, and, at last, to what palace gate have they brought me in the evening at the end of my journey?

-- Rabindranath Tagore
(from Gitanjali)

Into the audience hall by the fathomless abyss where swells up the music of toneless strings I shall take this harp of my life.

I shall tune it to the notes of forever, and when it has sobbed out its last utterance, lay down my silent harp at the feet of the silent.

-- Rabindranath Tagore
(from Gitanjali)

My song has put off her adornments.  She has no pride of dress and decoration.  Ornaments would mar our union; they would come between thee and me; their jingling would drown they whispers.

My poet's vanity dies in shame before thy sight.  O master poet, I have sat down at thy feet.  Only let me make my life simple and straight, like a flute of reed for thee to fill with music.


-- Rabindranath Tagore
(from Gitanjali)

I have had my invitation to this world's festival, and thus my life has been blessed.  My eyes have seen and my ears have heard.

It was my part at this feast to play upon my instrument, and I have done all I could.

Now, I ask, has the time come at last when I may go in and see thy face and offer thee my silent salutation?


-- Rabindranath Tagore
(from Gitanjali)

The light of thy music illumines the world.  The life breath of thy music runs from sky to sky.  The holy stream of thy music breaks through all stony obstacles and rushes on.

My heart longs to join in thy song, but vainly struggles for a voice.  I would speak, but speech breaks not into song, and I cry out baffled.  Ah, thou hast made my heart captive in the endless meshes of thy music, my master!


-- Rabindranath Tagore
(from Gitanjali)