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45. |
To Lover’s glowing fire and flame the mystic order has no claim:
They don’t discourse or talk of aught save wonders by their elders wrought. |
Alas! The throne as well as the mat, alike are full of guile and craft:
Both royal hall and Holy Shrine have lost their essence fine. |
The scrolls of Sufis and mullah may put them to shame on Judgment Day
Before the Throne of Judge Supreme for being empty in extreme. |
How can this world or next contain the man not bound to one domain?
The East or West is not his home, not tied to Syrian Land or Rome. |
Intoxication due to nightly wine, no doubt, by now, is one decline,
But saki’s glance still pricks the heart, like a swift and piercing dart. |
My bitter notes with patience hark, that I utter in this park:
Bear it in mind that passion too oft can work like elixir true. |
More dear and precious song replete with lightning’s dazzling flash and heat
Than coffers full of yellow gold that mighty kings and chiefs do hold. |
Translated by: Syed Akbar Ali Shah |
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