II: This world, O friend, is neither mine nor…

This world, O friend, is neither mine nor thine!
It is to be left behind, and to endure after every one!

Fallen into the arms of one, it laugheth and flirteth with another:
What an immodest, wanton harlot, indeed, is this world!

Although it seemeth pretty and attractive, what then?
Intrinsically, and inherently, this world is a black calamity.

Since there is no generous, no disinterested friendship in it,
Though it may seem a friend, it is an enemy, in reality.

It will very speedily dash from the mountain's summit
Them, with whom 'tis hand in glove, and cheek by jowl.

It ridiculeth to their faces, its own followers, at all times;
For ever practising mockery and derision, is this world.

In any one place of it, there is never, either rest, or tranquillity;
For like unto a mere shadow, and naught else, is this world.

No one's affairs can be brought to completion by the light of it;
For this world is as the lightning, and the light of the sky.

Absurdly, thou attachest thine heart to the sounds of its drum;
For the world is a bridal procession--the mere guest of an hour.

No one hath become a gainer, by its trade and its traffic;
For the world is a seller of barley, though an exposer of wheat.

It is not meet, that the good and great bend their steps towards it;
For this world is a spectacle--a mere children's show.

Hamid, who laugheth and is merry therein, but laugheth at himself;
For, indeed, the world is only a place of sorrow and of grief.