گر بگویم شرح نعمتهای قوم ** که زیادت می‌شد آن یوما بیوم
If I explain (all) the blessings bestowed upon the people (of Sabá), which were increasing day by day,
مانع آید از سخنهای مهم ** انبیا بردند امر فاستقم
It will hinder (me) from (speaking of) important matters. The prophets brought (to the Sabaeans) the (Divine) command, namely, “Do thou, therefore, be righteous.”
آمدن پیغامبران حق به نصیحت اهل سبا
How the prophets came from God to admonish the people of Sabá.
سیزده پیغامبر آنجا آمدند ** گم‌رهان را جمله رهبر می‌شدند
Thirteen prophets came thither: all (of them) were ready to guide those who had lost the way,
که هله نعمت فزون شد شکر کو ** مرکب شکر ار بخسپد حرکوا2670
Saying, “Come, the benefit has increased: where is the thanksgiving? If the steed of thanksgiving lie down, set (it) in motion.
شکر منعم واجب آید در خرد ** ورنه بگشاید در خشم ابد
In (the view of) reason it is necessary to give thanks to the Benefactor; otherwise, the door of everlasting wrath will be opened.
هین کرم بینید وین خود کس کند ** کز چنین نعمت به شکری بس کند
Hark, behold the loving kindness (of God)! And in sooth would any one (but God) do this—namely, be content with a single thanksgiving for such benefits?
سر ببخشد شکر خواهد سجده‌ای ** پا ببخشد شکر خواهد قعده‌ای
He bestows a head and asks as thanksgiving (only) one act of bowing; He bestows feet and asks as thanksgiving (only) one act of sitting (in piety and devotion).”
قوم گفته شکر ما را برد غول ** ما شدیم از شکر و از نعمت ملول
The people said, “The ghoul has carried off our thanksgiving: we have become weary of giving thanks and receiving benefits.
ما چنان پژمرده گشتیم ازعطا ** که نه طاعتمان خوش آید نه خطا2675
We have become so disgusted with the bounty that neither piety nor sin pleases us.
ما نمی‌خواهیم نعمتها و باغ ** ما نمی‌خواهیم اسباب و فراغ
We do not desire benefits and orchards: we do not desire means (of enjoyment) and leisure.”