XVII: Shroud well the sight from the black eyes'…

Shroud well the sight from the black eyes' glances!
Arise not, but, from drawn swords, guard well thine head!

Before love, the asceticism of a century is as nothing:
From a thousand bales of cotton, keep off a single spark!

Unto thy human form, a road of dire peril is affection:
Guard well thyself: on the path of danger enter not!

Love hath made reprobates of many simple devotees:
Mountains on mountains of ice, from the sun's face screen!

No other attainment will avail thee, in love's affairs,
Save one--the gift of madness--of which, be then beware!

Like as the naked man, from sharp swords himself shieldeth,
Do thou, from the morning curses of the afflicted, thyself guard!

Cold sighs are not good for the novice in ardent love--
Keep the pinching wind, carefully, from the fresh wound!

Love and affection, with conceit and vanity, cannot exist:
Guard well the guide's breath and footsteps, in this path!

Shouldst thou, O Zephyr! go in the direction of the beloved,
Be mindful of the message, respecting Hamid's aspirations!