And if, my friend, you ask me the way

by Hakim Sanai

English version by D.L. Pendlebury
Original Language Persian/Farsi

And if, my friend, you ask me the way,
I'll tell you plainly, it is this:
to turn your face toward the world of life,
and turn your back on rank and reputation;
and, spurning outward prosperity, to bend
your back double in his service;
to part company with those who deal in words,
and take your place in the presence of the wordless.

-- from The Walled Garden of Truth, by Hakim Sanai / Translated by David Pendlebury

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And if, my friend