XLVIII: The carnality of my heart is an Afridi…

The carnality of my heart is an Afridi, who, for religion, careth not--
Its good thoughts are but few; but unto wickedness it is exceedingly prone.

Like unto Akhund Darwezah, I point out godliness and piety to it;
But the flesh teacheth it impiety and infidelity, like unto Pir Ros'han.

Two-and-sixty years, by computation, my own age hath now reached;
And my black hair hath turned silvery, but my heart not the least white.

There are not, in the red carnelian caskets, those white pearls now;
Neither do those narcissuses remain, nor those white roses of the parterre.

With my head on the soft pillow laid, I sleep without sorrow or care;
Whilst those who shared it with me, are now in the cold grave laid!

Very many boats have sunk in the Indus of mortality and death;
And with them engulphed therein, were many companions and friends!

What! is it the veil of wretchedness that hath fallen my sight before,
That with mine eyes I cannot perceive the truth, though 'tis manifest to me?

With body in such agony, and so many physicians in the world, I die
Malediction on such conduct as this, that I seek not my own cure!

'Tis past--'tis gone! his place is Hell, unless God have mercy on him;
For along with Khushhal associated, are both the Devil and the flesh!