IX: At last, he will depart from it, his…

At last, he will depart from it, his heart with anguish seared;
Bootlessly, then, the gardener prideth himself on this parterre!

They who may have entered within the tavern of the world,
Shall all, in their turn, drink out of death's fatal cup!

He merely guardeth the portion of others, for they will take it;
Wherefore, then, is the rich man of his wealth so very vain?

He doth not revel, like the nightingale, among the roses;
But he sitteth perched, like a crow, a rotten carcass upon.

Sovereigns search about for it, but by beggars it is found;
Whether it be rest, or tranquillity; or peace, or repose.

The radiance of the lamp cannot be found within the tomb,
Except thou shouldst the lamp of sighs carry with thee there.

These are red tears thou seest, by unhappy Majnun shed;
For the tulip hath not bloomed, either in upland or in mead.

Set out, Aeabd-ul-Kadir! upon the path of inexistence;
Haply thou mayest find therein trace of the dear one's door!