XLIII: Until thou, against the belly, makest a determined…

Until thou, against the belly, makest a determined stand,
By mildness thou wilt not escape from the Uzbak's hands.

Neither doth a stone, forsooth, grow soft, nor an enemy, a friend;
Then do not be beguiled, O mean one! into the belly's servitude.

It is not advisable to show ever so little kindness to the belly--
The pilfering hostess satisfieth herself by a snack from each dish.

How can there be a place therein for the remembrance of thy God,
When thy belly, with eatables, is constantly crammed?

If thy heart desire, that thy body should be resplendent,
Take example of the pinched-up belly, from the firmament, itself.

Crave not, for thy belly, aught soever from fortune,
For it will merely give thee the new moon in thy bowl.

From a slight blow, this turban will fall unto the ground,
Which, from pride, thou placest so jauntily, one side of thy head.

Consider the belly more contemptible than all else besides,
If thou desire the standard planted, on Heaven's pinnacle.

That thou shouldst show no affection towards the world's people,
Is, beyond all doubt, the safe and the peaceful side.

Thro' this thine own meekness and humility, O Hamid!
Thou art dust in the eyes of the conceited and the proud.