XIX: Like unto the wind, every moment, life passeth…

Like unto the wind, every moment, life passeth away!
Let then every man have the remembrance of death ever before him!

Since the foundation of this life of his, is based upon the air,
Upon existence such as this, what reliance can be placed?

The dust of man is leavened with the water of mortality,
By the hand of Omnipotence kneaded, in the space of forty days.

Both saints and prophets have, alike, gone down into the tomb--
Thou wouldst say, forsooth, that they had never existed at all.

If thou considerest it well, the term of life here is nothing:
No one hath attained in it the object of his desires and hopes.

If thou, indeed, seek life eternal, then I say unto thee,
War, for ever, with the infidels of the lusts of the flesh.

The prudent traveller, whose journey lieth before him,
Taketh provision with him, according to the length of the road.

Come, sever thine heart, O Khushhal! from all extraneous things;
And in the hope of meeting Him, let it rejoice always!