XXXI: At the present time, extinct is the principle…

At the present time, extinct is the principle of sincerity!
That which is taken now, is but the empty name of sincerity!

I discover nought else, whatever, save duplicity and deceit,
Though I have carefully examined the horoscope of sincerity.

Let any one, with the finger, unto me a single man point out,
Whose acts are in accordance with the usages of sincerity.

As though folks, festive songs, over a dead bride, should sing;
So entirely hollow and doleful are the drum sounds of sincerity.

When the occupation of father and son, is dissimulation,
What then remaineth of the colour and odour of sincerity?

Because hypocrisy hath destroyed the taste of the world's mouth;
Hence poison of the infernal tree is the sweet savour of sincerity.

Examine closely the cottages and the mansions of the world:
Say, hath any one laid on their walls a single layer of sincerity?

The world containeth none sincere; but should such be found,
Then, Hamid is the special and obedient servant of sincerity.