1. Shall I now reveal what is concealed though forbidden?
Yet conceal what expanding revelation contains?

2. Shall I interpret the Koran's mysterious letters though none
Save He grasps its import, dots and vowel points?

3. Shall I plead my case though I see no judge
Learned enough in law, just enough to judge?

4. Shall I call tyrants though I've no power o'er them
And they've no firm, staunch friends or comrades?

5. They answered the echo of the valley of separation when called
And swerved from the shore the caller stood upon,

6. They parted from the mosque of divine unity preaching idolatry
Saying they were guided by the misguiding, went astray.

7. When they thought the wave was rain they hastened to it but
Reaching it, found it mirage, prostrated themselves before it.

8. Long they went astray till in their souls they had declined
From the height of glory to degradation's depth.

9. Exchanging thanks for blasphemy, they were transformed,
Their gardens changed by it to Jujube and Christ's thorn.

10. They remained perplexed, wandering, straying from the right path.
When they endured it and made it home, they were degraded.

11. My wretchedness made their life misery, their peace disquiet,
Their safety fear, their nearness farness.

12. How can the seeker of contentment see the face of approval
Turned from him loftily in anger?

13. So I turned from them and inclined with my monkishness from them
To me, so stretch to the people of right guidance your hand,

14. For I was raised in the lap of prohibition as a child
And in the laps of the women of prohibition was lulled to sleep.

15. Though not the son of the eminent in ancestry
I am to them, without any lying, a scion.

16. So tempt me not, for your way is my way.
The keen-witted never goes into others'.

17. My proud steed is not made awkward by any bird.
On its shore the duck sinks.

18. From the pearls it extracts from the depths
Are anklets on the noble's leg, earrings in her ears.

19. If the heads of men engage in muddled meddling
My speech to loose them flows like a comb.

20. Through my instruction schools gained renown.
Through my ties with them bushes gained flowers.

21. I have power for time's sword is my sword against the foe.
By time a sword comes rightfully that prevails.

22. I spread talk of wine in it while sober but
When I return sober by it talk is shredded.

23. I never claimed what my rank is among mankind
So I have no immoderation or excess before me.