زشت را در غایت زشتی کند ** جمله زشتیها به گردش بر تند2540
He makes the ugly of extreme ugliness––it is invested with all (possible) uglinesses––
تا کمال دانشش پیدا شود ** منکر استادیش رسوا شود
In order that the perfection of his skill may be displayed, (and that) the denier of his mastery may be put to shame.
ور نداند زشت کردن ناقص است ** زین سبب خلاق گبر و مخلص است
And if he cannot make the ugly, he is deficient (in skill) hence He (God) is the Creator of (both) the infidel and the sincere (faithful).
پس از این رو کفر و ایمان شاهدند ** بر خداوندیش و هر دو ساجدند
From this point of view, then, (both) infidelity and faith are bearing witness to His Lordliness, and both are bowing down in worship.
لیک مومن دان که طوعا ساجد است ** ز انکه جویای رضا و قاصد است
But know that the faithful (believer) bows down willingly, because he is seeking (God’s) pleasure and aiming (at that).
هست کرها گبر هم یزدان پرست ** لیک قصد او مرادی دیگر است2545
The infidel too is a worshipper of God, (though) unwillingly; but his aim is (directed towards) another object of desire.
قلعه‌ای سلطان عمارت میکند ** لیک دعوی امارت میکند
(It is true that) he keeps the King’s fortress in good repair; but he is claiming to be in command.
گشته یاغی تا که ملک او بود ** عاقبت خود قلعه سلطانی شود
He has become a rebel, to the intent that it may be his domain; (but) verily, in the end the fortress comes to be the King’s.
مومن آن قلعه برای پادشاه ** میکند معمور نه از بهر جاه
The faithful believer keeps that fortress in good repair for the sake of the King, not for place (and power).
زشت گوید ای شه زشت آفرین ** قادری بر خوب و بر زشت مهین
The ugly one (the infidel) says, “O King who createst the ugly, Thou art able for (able to create) the beautiful as well as the despicable (and) ugly.”