آن سپیدی مو دلیل پختگیست ** پیش چشم بسته کش کوته‌تگیست
That whiteness of hair is a proof of maturity to the bandaged eye that hath little penetration.
آن مقلد چون نداند جز دلیل ** در علامت جوید او دایم سبیل
Since the blind imitator recognises nothing but (an external) proof, he continually seeks the way (to the truth) in the (out ward) sign.
بهر او گفتیم که تدبیر را ** چونک خواهی کرد بگزین پیر را
For his sake we have said, ‘When you wish to plan (anything), choose an elder (to advise you).’
آنک او از پرده‌ی تقلید جست ** او به نور حق ببیند آنچ هست
He who has escaped from the purdah of blind imitation sees by the light of God that which (really) is.
نور پاکش بی‌دلیل و بی‌بیان ** پوست بشکافد در آید در میان2170
Without proof and without exposition the pure Light cleaves its (the object’s) skin and enters into the middle (the core).
پیش ظاهربین چه قلب و چه سره ** او چه داند چیست اندر قوصره
To one who regards (only) the appearance, what is (the difference between) the adulterated and genuine coin? How should he know what is in the date-basket?
ای بسا زر سیه کرده بدود ** تا رهد از دست هر دزدی حسود
Oh, there is much gold made black with smoke, that it may be saved from (falling into) the hands of every envious thief.
ای بسا مس زر اندوده به زر ** تا فروشد آن به عقل مختصر
Oh, there is much copper gilded with gold, that he (the counterfeiter) may sell it to (those of) small understanding.
ما که باطن‌بین جمله‌ی کشوریم ** دل ببینیم و به ظاهر ننگریم
We, who see the inward (reality) of the whole world, see the heart and look not on the outward form.”
قاضیانی که به ظاهر می‌تنند ** حکم بر اشکال ظاهر می‌کنند2175
The cadis who are concerned with the outward form (the letter of the law) give judgement according to outward appearances.