تاجر ترسنده‌طبع شیشه‌جان ** در طلب نه سود دارد نه زیان
The merchant of timid disposition and frail spirit neither gains nor loses in his quest;
بل زیان دارد که محرومست و خوار ** نور او یابد که باشد شعله‌خوار3090
Nay, he suffers loss, for he is deprived (of fortune) and despicable: (only) he that is an eater of flames (ardent in search) will find the light.
چونک بر بوکست جمله کارها ** کار دین اولی کزین یابی رها
Inasmuch as all affairs turn upon hope, the affair of religion is most worthy (to inspire hope), for by this means you may win salvation.
نیست دستوری بدینجا قرع باب ** جز امید الله اعلم بالصواب
Here it is not permitted to knock at the door (with importunity); naught but hope (is permissible): God best knoweth the right course.
بیان آنک ایمان مقلد خوفست و رجا
Explaining how the faith of the conventional (worldly) man consists in fear and hope.
داعی هر پیشه اومیدست و بوک ** گرچه گردنشان ز کوشش شد چو دوک
The motive in every trade is hope and chance, even though their necks are (worn thin), like a spindle, from (incessant) toil.
بامدادان چون سوی دکان رود ** بر امید و بوک روزی می‌دود
When he (the trader) goes in the morning to his shop, he is running (thither) in the hope and chance of (earning) a livelihood.
بوک روزی نبودت چون می‌روی ** خوف حرمان هست تو چونی قوی3095
(If) you have not the chance of (earning) a livelihood, why do you go (to your shop)? There is the fear (danger) of disappointment: how (then) are you strong (confident)?
خوف حرمان ازل در کسب لوت ** چون نکردت سست اندر جست و جوت
In (the case of) earning food, how has the fear of eternal (eternally predestined) disappointment not made you feeble in your search?
گویی گرچه خوف حرمان هست پیش ** هست اندر کاهلی این خوف بیش
You will say, “Though the fear of disappointment is before (me), this fear is greater (when I am) in idleness.
هست در کوشش امیدم بیشتر ** دارم اندر کاهلی افزون خطر
(When I am) at work my hope is greater: (when I am) in idleness I have more risk.”