1. Think not that distance can efface fond thoughts,
Though longing fills my soul and reigns supreme;

2. I am no common man of common mould,
Though absence may make dull affection's gleam;

3. My troth is old, and time cannot destroy,
Though grief oppress, from every quarter's way;

4. I'll prison fondness in the ringdove's neck,
And write the lines that dutifulsubjects pay;

5. Not I of those whose friendship fades away,
When boon companions farther journeys roam;

6. Nor one when friends prove false to turn and stay,
And walk the path with constant guide alone;

7. I am the man no comrade to upbraid,
No flaunting loose companions' faults to warmer;

8. Ho! reverend Shaykh, who truly dear are made,
The best of friends, aye, best of all that come here

9. For thou, good guardian, chide with gentle touch,
Thy servant, though forgetting courtesy;

10. I own remiss, while ye do overmuch,
O'erlooking faults, absolving penitents;

11. No poor excuse have I, your gen'rous mood
Tells that ye shut out every thought of ill;

12. Greet and forgive, forget whate'er's not good,
Fill up, give lavishly, forbear, and still

13. Be patient, pardon, counsel wand'rers' feet -
All peace to thee, what hour the light clouds break;

14. Nor longing mourn, nor bird complain its sweet,
Nor camel-guide sing song for trav'ller's sake.