An omen from Hafez
Ghazal 378
We will speak no ill, nor bend our will toward what is wrong;
we will blacken no man's garment, nor dye our own cloak blue.
The fault of dervish and of rich, in small and great, is bad;
the best of an evil deed is this — that we not do it at all.
We will set no mark of sophistry upon the book of knowledge;
we will not annex the Truth's own secret to the conjurer's page.
If the king drink not with reverence the rogues' own offered draught,
we will grant no heed to his clear and filtered wine.
We will ride sweetly through the world in the sight of the wayfarers;
we will spare no thought for the coal-black steed and the gold-laden saddle.
The heavens break the vessel of the masters of the arts;
it is best that we place no reliance upon this hanging sea.
If an envious one spoke ill and a friend has taken offence,
say: be you glad — for we lend no ear to the babbling fool.
Hafez, if the foe has spoken wrong, we will not seize upon him;
and if he has spoken right, we will not wrangle with the true word.