IV: Shouldst thou become the possessor of the world's…

Shouldst thou become the possessor of the world's throne and sceptre,
Be not arrogant! for in the end thou wilt be plundered and despoiled.

All will be equally on a par, one with the other, after death,
Whether it be the beggar, the wealthy man, or the prince.

Since thy place, at last, is the dark earth beneath,
Manifest neither gladness nor predilection for the world's affairs.

It will become shattered to atoms by the stones of death,
To whatever degree thou mayest the body's glass vessel guard.

If thou considerest it thy duty, the necessities of the poor to relieve,
The Almighty will never let thee be under necessity unto any one.

When a friend presenteth himself, show thy bounty to the utmost;
Since there are merely these five days of existence for thee.

Adorn thy piety by good actions and praiseworthy deeds;
For a bride without adornment and jewels 'tis unusual to see.

The whole of this darkness shall be expelled from thine heart,
If thou lightest up within it, the lamp of love divine.

When are such things brought about by armies or by legions,
As are accomplished by the fervid enthusiasm of love?

If the lover be small in stature, but be great in heart,
Then of what use is Aeaj's gigantic stature unto him?

Love hath brought dishonour, both in this world and the next,
Upon one Majnun; upon another Mansur, Hillaj's son.

What would the sportsman in the forest know concerning it,
If the partridge did not acquaint him by so loudly calling?

The fame of Kasra's justice hath unto all time remained,
But tyranny's scar remaineth branded Hujaj's forehead upon.

The unfinished and incomplete woof of the world's warp behold!
The weaver by no means soever can it to perfection bring!

If thou art a lover, of slander and aspersion have no fear!
But become thou the target of every one's arrow of reproach.

What are the sins of Khwajah Muhammad in the eye of God,
When the ocean of His mercy in waves of beneficence rolleth?