14th Century Persian Poets

"Though many a rose in this garden is born No mortal who culls one escapes from the thorn."

"Thy curl is ever drawing the heart silently Who hath power to speak (quarrel) with Thy heart-vanishing curl."

"Opportunity flies, O brother, As the cloud that quick doth pass; Oh make use of it! life is precious If we let it go,—alas!"

"Slight me not zealot, go thou hence ashamed For naught is slight that has by God been framed."

"Come! hear of those who have felt sorrow’s touch Their words are few, but what they mean is much."

"What serves thy armour ’gainst Fate’s arrows fierce? What serves thy shield if Destiny transpierce? Though steel and iron may thy ramparts plate When comes the mandate, Death shall burst thy gate."

"Like are, if void of purity, the k‘aba and the idle-fane The house that has not chastity can in its walls no good contain."

"The meshes of the net are strong but God withholds His grace from none, Not otherwise could man prevail o’er Satan the stone-pelted one."

"Wash from the dross of life thy hands as the Path’s men of old And, winning love’s alchemic power, transmute thyself to gold."