LXXXVIII: Of them, who always placed upon their heads…

Of them, who always placed upon their heads the cap of vanity,
The black hair hath now become, like unto white wool, changed.

The running stream and life's career are both one and the same--
In this world, those joyous days and nights, return to us no more!

All love, save that of God, if thou perceivest, is, altogether,
As if one built a bridge of straws upon the surface of the stream.

With all this grace and beauty that I see possessed by thee,
Whether thou art of human mould, or a fay, I cannot say.

Without the wind's aid, I attain not to the object of my desire,
Notwithstanding I launch upon the waters the boat of my heart.

From the dusky snakes of thy tresses he entertaineth no dread,
Who, in his mouth, holdeth the snake-root of thy affection and love.

The heart of Khushhal, in piety, was like unto a mountain;
But, all at once 'tis to a gossamer changed, through his love for thee.