Rumi's Masnavi - If its faultiness and disgrace were made visible to thee, thy soul would flee from it (as far as) the distance between east and west.

If its faultiness and disgrace were made visible to thee, thy soul would flee from it (as far as) the distance between east and west. 1335

The state (of mind) in which at last thou repentest of it (of a faulty action)—if this should be thy state (of mind) at first, how wouldst thou run (for the sake of that action)?

Therefore He (God) at first veiled (the real nature of) that from our souls, in order that we might perform that action in accordance with the Divine destiny.

When the Divine destiny brought its ordainment into view, the eye was opened, so that repentance arrived.

This repentance is another (manifestation of the) Divine destiny: abandon this repentance, worship God!

And if thou make (it) a habit and become addicted to repentance, because of this (habitual) repentance thou wilt become more repentant. 1340

One half of thy life will pass in distraction and the other half will pass in repentance.

Take leave of this (anxious) thought and repentance: seek a better (spiritual) state and friend and work.

And if thou hast no better work in hand, then for the omission of what (work) is thy repentance?

If thou knowest the good way, worship (God); and if thou dost not know (it), how dost thou know that this way (in which thou art going) is evil?