XV: Keep thy face for ever wet with the…

Keep thy face for ever wet with the water of thy tears;
For in these waters can be seen, the lustre of the pearl.

The lamp of Joseph's countenance at that time became lighted,
When his brethren made it red, by their cuffs and blows.

The tree that is obscured, will be backward in giving fruit,
Until it shall be brought, face to face, with the sun.

Like the rose, thy face shall glow before every one,
If thou but wash the face of the heart with blood.

The darksome stain of thy eagerness will not disappear,
Till, with patience's pearl-powder, thou cleanse not the face.

The patient and submissive, from prudence and bashfulness,
Are unable to look upon their own faces, the mirror within.

He who beareth the blister of toil and labour, upon his hand,
Will gaze, without apprehension, on the surface of the gem.

Unto the wise, a display of knowledge is a great defect
The lustre of the gem changeth the mirror to an earthen plate.

If thou seek after distinction in the court of the adored,
Like as the mirror, smear over thy face with ashes and dust.

The ardent longing of Hamid containeth naught of sinfulness;
It only seeketh everywhere, for that which it hath lost.