TO A YOUNG MAN

Thy sofas are from Europe, thy carpets from Iran;
This slothful opulence evokes my sigh of pity.

In vain if thou possessest Khusroe’s imperial pomp,
If thou dost not possess prowess or contentment.

Seek not thy joy or greatness in the glitter of Western life,
For in contentment lies a Muslim’s joy and greatness.

When an eagle’s spirit awakens in youthful hearts,
It sees its luminous goal beyond the starry heavens.

Thy abode is not on the dome of a royal palace;
Thou art an eagle and shouldst live on the rocks of mountains.