«A lover asked his beloved…»

A lover asked his beloved,
Do you love yourself more than you love me?

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’ve forgotten all my learnings,
but from knowing you I’ve become a scholar.
I’ve lost all my strength, but from your power I am able.

I love myself…I love you.
I love you…I love myself.

© Rumi, 13th century