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,[30]
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,[31]
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.