1. I observed and tested the pretenders
Among the loyalists and slaves

2. I found most of them like mirages
Appearing beautiful from afar

3. So I called, "O people, whom do you worship?"
And each pointed to what they possessed

4. Some pointed to themselves
Swearing there was more than that

5. Some pointed to a patched garment
Others to skins they sat upon

6. Another worshipped his whims
And he who worships whims is not wise

7. A scholar busies his time with greed
If he misses out, he stays up grieved

8. Another strains to hear music
On the rug amidst singers

9. Moaning if a melody quavers
Seeking with it a new robe

10. Tearing his garments intentionally
To gain from it a new robe

11. And throwing himself into hellfire
To uproot thorns and swallow grains

12. Oh, are you not amazed, O men
At the devil, this extra brother of ours?

13. Striking them with arts of madness
For the insane have only shackles

14. I swear they never knew the Majestic One
And never knew Him but with rejection

15. Were it not for loyalty to the loyalists
I would have roasted them with an iron tongue

16. Why do they ask me for affection
When they know not what lies in hearts?

17. I share my love and they doubt it
Though I shared it readily with loved ones

18. But if I cannot find a friend
To please, my friend, and drive off enviers

19. I turn my love away from him to myself
So my bad fortune disappears and good fortune comes

20. Why, my people, in their ignorance
Scorn the unique, the intimate friend?

21. When they see me, they weep in mercy
While their fires of hatred are stoked

22. Because I distanced myself from pretenders
Though had they been true, I'd not be far