XI: The love of the world hath made thee…

The love of the world hath made thee so insensate,
That thou hast wholly forgotten the duties of religion.

Like unto the cat, thou art ever upon the watch:
Thou art of no use soever to any one, save the rat.

Outwardly, thou hast clothed thyself in sanctity's dress,
O deceiver! thou vender of barley, but shower of wheat!

When the opportunity hath passed away, then wilt thou grieve;
And when the cup of death shall be given thee to quaff.

Thou hearest with thine ears the cries of the outcast;
And the cries at thy decease too, shall reach others' ears.

Mankind HE hath created to walk in righteousness' ways:
Thou art not a beast; then not sinfully, but worthily act!

When thou leavest the body's house, take viaticum with thee;
For there, O beloved! are no means for obtaining it.

Thou art a pilgrim, and wilt depart: anxious therefore be:
Bind up thine effects, and reflect upon the long journey before!

The path in front the Tempter haunteth: go not alone!
Arise! search about thee! and thy companions select!

If one, even with every effort, cannot the goal attain;
No man can reach it without striving so to do.

Every morning and evening raise thy voice unto God!
Tears of blood shed in the depth of thy heart's emotion!

All other love, save one, is naught but deadly poison:
From the cupbearer's goblet, then, joyfully take one draught!

Groan and lament, but so that no one may hear thee!
Remember thy beloved in thine heart, but with silent lips!

The world is black, and maketh man's face so too at last;
But drink thou the wine of love, and red-faced become!

Without anxiety, O Khwajah Muhammad! sleep not;
Since thou hast been by death's repeated warnings apprised!

I, Khwajah Muhammad, am of sins and offences full;
But, O hider of faults! I place my trust in Thee!