آن خری شد تخمه وز خوردن بماند ** پس برسم دعوت آهو را بخواند
A certain donkey became ill with indigestion and was unable to eat; therefore he gave the gazelle a formal invitation (to dine).
سر چنین کرد او که نه رو ای فلان ** اشتهاام نیست هستم ناتوان
He (the gazelle) shook his head, (as though to say), “Nay, begone, O such-and such: I have no appetite, I am unwell.”
گفت می‌دانم که نازی می‌کنی ** یا ز ناموس احترازی می‌کنی 915
He (the donkey) replied, “I know that you are showing disdain, or holding aloof in regard for your reputation.”
گفت او با خود که آن طعمه‌ی توست ** که از آن اجزای تو زنده و نوست
He (the gazelle) said to himself, “That (which you offer me) is your food, whereby your limbs are revived and renewed.
من الیف مرغزاری بوده‌ام ** در زلال و روضه‌ها آسوده‌ام
I have been familiar with a (beauteous) pasture, I have reposed amongst (rivulets of) clear water and meadows.
گر قضا انداخت ما را در عذاب ** کی رود آن خو و طبع مستطاب
If Destiny has cast me into torment, (yet) how should that goodly disposition and nature depart (from me)?
گر گدا گشتم گدارو کی شوم ** ور لباسم کهنه گردد من نوم
If I have become a beggar, (yet) how should I have the face (impudence and greed) of a beggar? And if my (bodily) raiment become old, (yet) I am (spiritually) new.
سنبل و لاله و سپرغم نیز هم ** با هزاران ناز و نفرت خورده‌ام 920
I have eaten hyacinth and anemone and sweet basil too with a thousand disdains and disgusts.”