XXXV: There will be none of the world's vanities…

There will be none of the world's vanities and ambitions within the tomb:
Thine own good deeds will go with thee, and naught else besides!

Without the parrot, the cage is useless--be convinced of this!
And the soul is like unto the parrot--the body like unto its cage.

Be careful, that it may not be, altogether, lost unto thee;
For, like unto a pearl of great price, is this breath of thine.

Whoso casteth this pearl, so precious, unprofitably away,
He is not a whit better than the beasts of the field.

Pass near the graves of the chiefs, and the nobles of the land!
Behold, out of their dust, thorns and brambles have sprung up!

Whatever hath happened, cannot be changed; wherefore, then
Dost thou manifest such apprehension, and such dread?

'Tis thy lot, from the world to bear, at most, but a shroud away;
And that, too, will be but eight or nine yards, or may be ten.

All these things, my dear! will remain behind thee;
Whether pretty maidens, noble steeds, or robes of finest satin.

Be ready, O Khushhal! for the time of departure is come
In every direction may be heard the sound of the warning bell!