That which seems to you to be (really) existent is (mere) skin, while that which seems to have perished—that (in reality) is the root.
دوغ روغن ناگرفتست و کهن ** تا بنگزینی بنه خرجش مکن
The buttermilk has not (yet) taken (the form of) butter and is old: lay it (in store) and do not squander it till you pick out (the butter from it).
هین بگردانش به دانش دست دست ** تا نماید آنچ پنهان کرده است
Hark, turn it knowingly from hand to hand (side to side), that it may reveal that which it has hidden;
زآنک این فانی دلیل باقیست ** لابه‌ی مستان دلیل ساقیست3050
For this perishable (body) is a proof of the everlasting (spirit): the maundering of the intoxicated is a proof of (the existence of) the Cupbearer.
مثال دیگر هم درین معنی
Another parable on the same subject.
هست بازیهای آن شیر علم ** مخبری از بادهای مکتتم
The gambols of the lion on the banner are indicative of winds concealed (from view).
گر نبودی جنبش آن بادها ** شیر مرده کی بجستی در هوا
If there were not the movement of those winds, how would the dead lion leap into the air?
زان شناسی باد را گر آن صباست ** یا دبورست این بیان آن خفاست
By that (means) you know whether the wind is the east-wind or the westwind: this (movement of the lion) is the explanation of that occult matter.
این بدن مانند آن شیر علم ** فکر می‌جنباند او را دم به دم
This body is like the lion on the banner: thought is causing it to move continually.
فکر کان از مشرق آید آن صباست ** وآنک از مغرب دبور با وباست3055
The thought that comes from the east is (as) the (refreshing) east-wind, and that which (comes) from the west is (as) the west-wind fraught with pestilence.