A true king is one whose company is sweet delight,
And paradise is where the houris share the night.
True fortune lies in the chance to find peace of mind,
Leaning without a friend is no true rest to find.
The whole world praises a Chinese idol’s fame,
But our beloved’s every curl outshines the same.
If she unveils, with silver earrings bright and fine,
All would claim this moon and that star align.
If I love her not, the world loves her, I see,
For what Veisi* could command such loyalty?
Oh, show a glance of kindness, a thread of grace,
For at every strand of your hair rests a poor heart’s trace.
Save for your sight, my eyes will never open wide,
As if your love has set me against the world to bide.
Those who call you a moon of Khutan or a cypress tall,
Still see only your form, not your grace at all.
Call me your slave, and I’ll ascend to majesty,
For even a fly, by your will, can soar as a falcon free.
Saadi’s name is famed for his love of beauty, true,
And in our creed, this is not shame, but virtue too.
Infidel, faith, prayer, love, and I—each apart,
Every soul you see is devoted to its own heart.