Kisi be-kas ko ae bidaad-gar maara toh kya maara

To strike the weak, O tyrant, is a deed in vain; what victory is gained? To strike the one who’s dying from his life of pain; what victory is gained?

You did not slay the self, a prize beyond all gain, So, alchemist, to break quicksilver is in vain; what victory is gained?

The greatest fiend, the tyrant self, you have not slain, So if you felled a dragon, it was all in vain; what victory is gained?

My heart was flawed and worthy of this binding chain, So if your tresses struck me, it was all in vain; what victory is gained?

His word is false; he swears his promises again, Then strikes my hand with his—a gesture made in vain; what victory is gained?

The killer held no sword, and left no bloody stain; She struck the heart by aiming—other arts are vain; what victory is gained?

Like gurgling wine, our laughter mixes with our pain, So if you roar with laughter, it is all in vain; what victory is gained?

My tears are rubies drowned in blood, a crimson stain, So if you dive for pearls in water, it's in vain; what victory is gained?

My heart and soul, both wounded, cry aloud in pain, To strike me here or there—the difference is in vain; what victory is gained?

For one refusal, Satan fell, condemned to reign In loss; a million prayers with pride are all in vain; what victory is gained?

Your axe, Farhad, should shatter Khusrau’s cold disdain; To strike the mountain’s stony head was all in vain; what victory is gained?

The target was the evil eye, the heart’s dark stain, So, Zauq, to shoot your sigh at heaven was in vain; what victory is gained?