In the gaze of the ascetic, what is the glory of Alexander? What is the saffron, if it be the staff of the harvest?

This powerful couplet by Allama Iqbal challenges the superficiality of perceived grandeur. He asks: What glory (like Alexander's) can be found in the gaze of poverty, and what brilliance (like saffron) holds value if it is merely subject to a tax or levy? It is a profound commentary on the difference between outward appearance and intrinsic, true value. Sometimes, the most magnificent things are diminished when reality—or necessity—takes hold.