(Bal-e-Jibril-168) (خودی) Khudi

(Bal-e-Jibril-168) Khudi

Khudi
The Self

Khudi Ko Na De Seem-o-Zar Ke Ewaz
Nahin Shaola Dete Sharar Ke Ewaz

Barter not thy selfhood for silver and gold;
Sell not a burning flame for a spark half‐cold;

Ye Kehta Hai Firdousi-e-Didahwar
Ajam Jis Ke Surme Se Roshan Basar

So says Firdowsi, the poet of vision and grace,
Who brought to the East the dawn of brighter days:

“Zabar-e-Daram Tund-o-Bad Kho Mabash
Tu Bayad Ke Bashi, Daram Go Mabash”

Be not a churl for filthy lucre’s sake,
Count not thy coppers, whatever they may make.