Ode 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,[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.