How many an archer, for the sake of my plumage, shoots arrows at me (when I am) in the air!
چون ندارم زور و ضبط خویشتن ** زین قضا و زین بلا و زین فتن 645
Since I have not strength and self-control (to preserve me) from this destiny and this affliction and these tribulations,
آن به آید که شوم زشت و کریه ** تا بوم آمن درین کهسار و تیه
’Tis better I should be ugly and hideous, that I may be safe amidst these mountains and deserts.
این سلاح عجب من شد ای فتی ** عجب آرد معجبان را صد بلا
These (feathers) are the weapons of my pride, O noble sir: pride brings a hundred afflictions on the proud.
بیان آنک هنرها و زیرکیها و مال دنیا هم‌چون پرهای طاوس عدو جانست
Explaining that accomplishments and intellectual abilities and worldly wealth are enemies to (spiritual) life, like the peacock's feathers.
پس هنر آمد هلاکت خام را ** کز پی دانه نبیند دام را
Accomplishments, then, are a destruction to the (spiritually) ignorant man, for in his pursuit of the bait he does not see the trap.
اختیار آن را نکو باشد که او ** مالک خود باشد اندر اتقوا
Free-will is good for him (alone) who is master of himself in (respect of obeying the command) ‘Fear ye (God).’
چون نباشد حفظ و تقوی زینهار ** دور کن آلت بینداز اختیار 650
When there is no safeguarding (of one's self) and piety, beware, put far (from thee) the instrument (that serves as a means to sin): drop free-will.
جلوه‌گاه و اختیارم آن پرست ** بر کنم پر را که در قصد سرست
Those feathers are the object of my display (pride) and freewill: I will tear out the feathers, for they are in quest of my head.
نیست انگارد پر خود را صبور ** تا پرش در نفکند در شر و شور
The self-restrained man deems his feathers to be naught, in order that his feathers may not cast him into calamity and bale.
پس زیانش نیست پر گو بر مکن ** گر رسد تیری به پیش آرد مجن
Therefore his feathers are no harm to him: let him not tear them out, (for) if an arrow (of temptation) come (against him) he will present the shield (of self-restraint).
لیک بر من پر زیبا دشمنیست ** چونک از جلوه‌گری صبریم نیست
But to me my beauteous feathers are an enemy, since I cannot restrain myself from making a display.
گر بدی صبر و حفاظم راه‌بر ** بر فزودی ز اختیارم کر و فر 655
If self-restraint and safeguarding had been my guide, my (spiritual) conquest would have been increased by (the exercise of) free-will;
هم‌چو طفلم یا چو مست اندر فتن ** نیست لایق تیغ اندر دست من
(But) in (the case of) temptations I am like a child or a drunken man: the sword is unsuitable (out of place) in my hand.
گر مرا عقلی بدی و منزجر ** تیغ اندر دست من بودی ظفر
Had I possessed an intellect and conscience (to restrain me), the sword in my hand would have been (a means of gaining) victory.
عقل باید نورده چون آفتاب ** تا زند تیغی که نبود جز صواب
An intellect giving light like the sun is needed to wield the sword that never misses the right direction.
چون ندارم عقل تابان و صلاح ** پس چرا در چاه نندازم سلاح
Since I do not possess a resplendent intellect and righteousness (in religion), why, then, should not I throw my weapons into the well?
در چه اندازم کنون تیغ و مجن ** کین سلاح خصم من خواهد شدن 660
I now throw my sword and shield into the well; for (otherwise) they will become the weapons of my adversary.
چون ندارم زور و یاری و سند ** تیغم او بستاند و بر من زند
Since I do not possess strength and aid and support, he (the adversary) will seize my sword and smite me with it.
رغم این نفس وقیحه‌خوی را ** که نپوشد رو خراشم روی را
In despite of this fleshly soul and evil-natured one who does not veil her face, I will rend my face,
تا شود کم این جمال و این کمال ** چون نماند رو کم افتم در وبال
That this beauty and perfection (of mine) may be impaired. When my face (beauty) remains no more, I shall not fall into woe.
چون بدین نیت خراشم بزه نیست ** که به زخم این روی را پوشیدنیست
When I rend (my face) with this intention, ’tis no sin, for this face ought to be covered with wounds.