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50. |
By men whose eyes see far and wide new cities shall be founded:
Not by old Kufa or Baghdad is my thought’s vision bounded. |
Rash youth, new-fangled learning, giddy pleasure, gaudy plume,—
With these, while these still swarm, the Frankish wine-shop is surrounded. |
Not with philosopher, nor with priest, my business; one lays waste
The heart, and one sows discord to keep mind and soul confounded; |
And for the Pharisee—far from this poor worm be disrespect!
But how to enfranchise Man, is all the problem I have sounded. |
The fleshpots of the wealthy are for sale about the world;
Who bears love’s toils and pangs earns wealth that God’s hand has compounded. |
I have laid bare such mysteries as the hermit learns, that thought,
In cloister or in college, in true freedom may be grounded. |
No fastings of Mahatmas will destroy the Brahmins’ sway;
Vainly, when Moses holds no rod, have all his words resounded! |
Translated by: V.G. Kiernan |
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