Xxix

Who of a Heaven on earth can tell, pure as the cell--Of dervishes? If in the highest state you'd dwell, be ever slaves Of dervishes.

The talisman of magic Might hid in some ruin's lonely site, Emerges from its ancient night at the wild glance Of dervishes.

When the proud sun has run his race, and he puts off his crown apace, He bows before the pomp and place which are the boast Of dervishes.

The palace portal of the sky, watched by Rizván's unsleeping eye, All gazers can at once descry from the glad haunts Of dervishes.

When mortal hearts are black and cold, that which transmutes them into gold Is the alchemic stone we hold from intercourse Of dervishes.

When tyranny, from pole to pole, sways o'er the earth with dire control, We see from first to last unroll the victor-flag Of dervishes.

There is a wealth which lasts elate, unfearful of decline from fate; Hear it with joy--this wealth so great, is in the hands Of dervishes.

Khosráus, the kiblahs of our prayer have weight to solace our despair, But they are potent by their care for the high rank Of dervishes.

O, vaunter of thy riches' pride! lay all thy vanity aside, And know that health and wealth abide but by the will Of dervishes.

Korah lost all his treasured store, which, cursed of Heaven, sinks daily more, (Hast thou not heard this tale of yore?) from disregard Of dervishes,

The smiling face of joy unknown, yet sought by tenants of a throne, Is only in the mirror shown of the clear face Of dervishes.

Let but our Ásaf's eye request, I am the slave of his behest, For though his looks his rank attest, he has the mind Of dervishes.

Háfiz, if of the tide thou think, which makes immortal those who drink, Seek in the dust that fountain's brink, at the cell door Of dervishes.

Háfiz, while here on earth, be wise: He who to empire's rule would rise, Knows that his upward pathway lies Through his regard Of dervishes.