XXII: If any one should account me an ascetic…

If any one should account me an ascetic, an ascetic am I;
If any one should consider me a noble, a noble am I.

I desire the whole world as an oblation unto the beloved:
It is not that, for myself, I care ought about it.

'Tis hard sustaining the dignity of the cowl: were it not so,
Every moment I incline unto the Darwesh's calling.

I take advice from every one, and give counsel unto all:
I am, at once, the disciple of some, and the apostle of others.

In separation the thoughts of the beloved ever follow me:
Along with Yusuf, I am a companion in imprisonment.

At the time of laughing, my weeping is like unto the taper's:
In the world, I am totally concealed, yet in fear of my life.

But what freedom, what independence is greater than this?
That I am a captive in the fetters of the locks of the beloved.

What other happiness is there more inestimable than this?
That for the sake of the beloved I am ever plunged in grief.

Khushhal Khan and Dawlata are but slaves of mine;
For, of the Pus'hto tongue, I, Rahman, am the Aealam-gir.