مثنوی را چون تو مبدا بوده‌ای ** گر فزون گردد توش افزوده‌ای5
Inasmuch as thou hast been the origin of the Mathnawí, if it become increased (in size), (’tis) thou (who) hast caused it to increase.
چون چنین خواهی خدا خواهد چنین ** می‌دهد حق آرزوی متقین
Since thou wishest it so, God wishes it so: God grants the desire of the devout.
کان لله بوده‌ای در ما مضی ** تا که کان الله پیش آمد جزا
In the past thou hast been (as) “he belongs to God,” so that (now) “God belongs (to him)” hath come in recompense.
مثنوی از تو هزاران شکر داشت ** در دعا و شکر کفها بر فراشت
On thy account the Mathnawí had thousands of thanksgivings (to render): it lifted up its hands in prayer and thanksgiving.
در لب و کفش خدا شکر تو دید ** فضل کرد و لطف فرمود و مزید
God saw thanksgiving to thee on its lips and in its hands: (therefore) He showed grace and bestowed favour and increase;
زانک شاکر را زیادت وعده است ** آنچنانک قرب مزد سجده است10
For to him that gives thanks increase is promised, just as nighness (unto God) is the reward for prostration (in the ritual prayer).
گفت واسجد واقترب یزدان ما ** قرب جان شد سجده ابدان ما
Our God hath said, “And prostrate thyself and come nigh (unto Me)”: the prostration of our bodies is become the nighness of the spirit (unto God).
گر زیادت می‌شود زین رو بود ** نه از برای بوش و های و هو بود
If increase is accruing (to the Mathnawí), it is for this reason, it is not for the sake of vainglory and (empty) noise.
با تو ما چون رز به تابستان خوشیم ** حکم داری هین بکش تا می‌کشیم
We are glad with thee as the vineyard (is glad) in the summer heat: thou hast the authority: come, draw (it on), that we may always be drawing (it on after thee).
خوش بکش این کاروان را تا به حج ** ای امیر صبر مفتاح الفرج
Draw happily this caravan (onward) to the Pilgrimage, O Commander of “Patience is the key to joy.”