CLOSENESS  TO  KINGS

Introduction
This poem is based on three second hemistichs and one full verse of £«fiï of Shâr«z. The full verse, which forms the last verse of the poem under review, is the core of the message of ‘All«mah Iqb«l. In the first six verses he sarcastically describes the rewards of being a time-server by subservience to worldly masters and kings. In the last verse he is talking of subservience to God for which sincere intentions are necessary, in contrast with the selfish motives of material benefits in subservience to earthly masters.

Translation
The distinction between the ruler and the ruled cannot disappear
The beggar cannot have the audacity of being equal to the king

In the world adoration of the master is the climax of devotion
“Seek the pleasure of the master and have the beautiful tunic”

But if you aim to have the good pleasure of the ruler
You will  have the title of self-seeker and anti-national

The old way has thousands of difficulties
In the new principle the lap is free of worries

The real joy comes by passing one’s life like this
“Thousand words in the mouth and  have silent lips”

This principle alone is the mainstay of peaceful existence
“The recluse beggar you are, O £«fiï make no clamor”

But “If you are inclined to clamor let us begin
“Grasp holy wine, then drink it to the harp’s  tune”¹

Join the assemblies of the rich, the minister and the king
Smash to pieces conscience’ goblet with greed’s stone

However, listen to the message of the Saint of Shâr«z also
That this is the secret of the conscience seller’s closet

                “Light of effulgence is the king’s brilliant opinion
                If you want his closeness try to have clean intention”

Explanatory Notes
1. This means drink openly. Ba B«ng-i-chang used in the original is a popular expression in Persian and Urdu for doing or saying something openly and without fear.