XXIII: Where the lips of the beloved? where affliction…

Where the lips of the beloved? where affliction of heart and soul?
Where the nightshade's red berry? where the ruby of Badakhshan?

Pure and free is true love from all proneness to carnality
Where is the well of the stomach? where the dimple of the chin?

There is not a little difference 'twixt the libertine and the recluse--
Where are youths and maidens? where are widows and orphans?

They are all fools, who barter their religion for the world--
Where are fifty days? where eternity and everlasting life?

Let ambition and desire be a sacrifice unto contentment
Where is the land of Egypt? where the Hamlet of the Slaves?

In one village, the Darwesh and murderer cannot dwell--
Where is Aeaziz Khan? where is Mulla Aeabd-ur-Rahman?