Don’t speak of “I” and “you”
in the banquet of wine-worshipers;
don’t speak of yourself
in the gathering of lovers.
When you sit in the circle of madness,
be silent;
don’t be conscious of your existence and
don’t speak of intelligence and cleverness.
The bird of my heart longs
for the Friend;
don’t speak of the virgins and
the palaces of paradise.
Don’t speak of the fables
of past events and times
to the one who has turned his back
on the created world.
Don’t speak of the attributes
of gems and precious stones
to the lover whose ruby-like heart
is bloodied.
Don’t ask about the creed of people of existence
from those who do not exist;
don’t speak of religion, unbelief,
knowledge and foresight.
Don’t ask Nurbakhsh about anything
other than purity and fidelity;
don’t speak to him about people
who break their vows.