Classic Poem

Gone have thy companions, they have marched to their last halt;
Still how sound asleep thou stayest, O! that careless heart of mine.
From non-existence into being, and from life again to death,
Hasten on the Kaffilas, band succeeding band.
The road through bogs and quicksand, on a sorry steed thou'rt mounted,
See than thee those better mounted have failed to make their way.
Plunged in this world's torrent, no hope thine of finding footing,
Many those that sought to stem it, but they never found the shore.
From the fury of its waters to the bank thou ne'er wilt reach.
None are there who know its margin but the dwellers on that side.
All the profits of this world are vain and empty burdens,
Whose is greatest do thou not consider him a gainer.
To its decrees bring resignation, whatever thy lot may be,
Nothing can be averted by prayers or incantations.
Look at thine own hands and feet and consider well,
All these are proofs of the knowledge of God.
Say thou ever, “Well do I recognize God's Unity.”
If in God thou place thy trust, have no regard for follies.
Besides God, come tell me, who is there that has created
Human beings from black dust, with such form and qualities?
Be not like the beasts who live but for food and sleeping;
In the world of action be not less than thy inferiors.
In the matter of thy interests how alert and watchful art thou!
Yet in that of thy religion how drowsy and careless!
Be not proud of thine own beauty, though handsome as a flower,
Time will in a few days wear away thy face.
Let no one hope for good of those of evil nature,
No one will taste the sweets of honey from the bitter of the Nightshade.
The words of the man who takes no action on them
Are like a horse that is parted from its rider.
The man who acts not on his words is as it were an ass
Laden with precious books, all his labour is in vain.
He whose words and actions correspond together,
Then every word of his has effect whenever he speaks.
In the good sense of what thou sayest no lack is there, Khush-hai,
Were thy actions but as sensible, why shouldst thou have been thus troubled?