We Try or We Die Trying

The shaikh, Dr. Muḥammad ibn Ghālib Al-ʿUmarī, may Allāh protect him, said:

When you’ve come to know the course, and the path’s become clear, don’t look back and don’t hesitate about finishing; instead, let resolve be by your side always, putting your trust in
your Mawlá,¹ asking Him to keep all obstacles at bay until you get there–or life brings you to a standstill while you were still on the way. He told the truth, he who said:

بَكَى صاحبي لَمَّا رأى الدَّرْبَ دُوْنَهُ
وأَيْقَنَ أَنَّا لاحِقانِ بِقَيْصَرا
فقلتُ له : لا تبكِ عينُكَ إنَّما
نحاولُ مُلْكَاً أو نموتَ فَنُعْذَرا

My friend shed tears when he saw ahead of him the border–
He was sure now we’d be reaching the [West’s great] emperor.
I said to him: let your eyes not tear, all it is,
is we try for kingdom, unless we die, and then we’re justified.²

¹the One who manages your affairs and supports you (tr.)
²i.e., we’ll be excused since we died trying. (tr.)

Source: @m_g_alomari. 5 Mar 21.