کمترین حکمت کزین الحاح تو ** جلوه گردد آن لجاج و آن عتو
The least purpose (thereof) is that through this persistence of thine that obstinacy and rebellious pride (of the infidels) may be displayed,
تا که ره بنمودن و اضلال حق ** فاش گردد بر همه اهل و فرق
So that God’s showing the way (to some) and letting (others) be lost may become evident to all the followers of religious sects.
چونک مقصود از وجود اظهار بود ** بایدش از پند و اغوا آزمود
Inasmuch as the object of existence was the manifestation (of these two Divine attributes), it must be tested by means of exhorting (to obedience) and leading astray.
دیو الحاح غوایت می‌کند ** شیخ‌الحاح هدایت می‌کند
The Devil persists to (seducing to) error; the Shaykh persists in guiding aright.
چون پیاپی گشت آن امر شجون ** نیل می‌آمد سراسر جمله خون3590
When that grievous command (of God) proceeded step by step (pursued its course), the whole Nile was turned into blood from end to end,
تا بنفس خویش فرعون آمدش ** لابه می‌کردش دو تا گشته قدش
Till (at last) Pharaoh came in person to him (Moses), humbly entreating him, his tall figure bent double,
کانچ ما کردیم ای سلطان مکن ** نیست ما را روی ایراد سخن
And said, “O (spiritual) sovereign, do not that which we did we have not the face to offer words (of excuse).
پاره پاره گردمت فرمان‌پذیر ** من بعزت خوگرم سختم مگیر
I will become obedient to thy command with every bit (of my body); I am accustomed to be held in honour: do not deal hardly with me.
هین بجنبان لب به رحمت ای امین ** تا ببندد این دهانه‌ی آتشین
Hark, move thy lips in mercy, O trusted one, that it (thy prayer) may shut this fiery mouth (of Divine anger).”
گفت یا رب می‌فریبد او مرا ** می‌فریبد او فریبنده‌ی ترا3595
He (Moses) said, “O Lord, he is deceiving me; he is deceiving Thy deceiver.