کین سه را خصم است بسیار و عدو ** در کمینت ایستد چون داند او

For to these three there is many an adversary and foe standing in wait for you when he knows (about any of them).

ور بگویی با یکی دو الوداع ** کل سر جاوز الاثنین شاع‌‌

And if you tell (only) one or two (a few people), farewell (to your secret): every secret that goes beyond the twain (who share it) is published abroad.

گر دو سه پرنده را بندی به هم ** بر زمین مانند محبوس از الم‌‌ 1050

If you tie two or three birds together, they will remain on the ground, imprisoned by grief;

مشورت دارند سرپوشیده خوب ** در کنایت با غلط افکن مشوب‌‌

(But in truth) they hold a consultation well-disguised and mingled, in its (apparent) significance, with that which casts error (into the mind of any one who observes them).

مشورت کردی پیمبر بسته سر ** گفته ایشانش جواب و بی‌‌خبر

(Similarly) the Prophet used to take counsel, (speaking) cryptically, and they (his companions) would answer him and (would be) without knowledge (of his real meaning).

در مثالی بسته گفتی رای را ** تا نداند خصم از سر پای را

He would speak his opinion in a covert parable, in order that the adversary might not know foot from head.

او جواب خویش بگرفتی از او ** وز سؤالش می‌‌نبردی غیر بو

He (the Prophet) would receive his answer from him (the adversary), while the other would not catch the smell (drift) of his question.

قصه‌‌ی مکر خرگوش‌‌

The story of the hare's stratagem.

ساعتی تاخیر کرد اندر شدن ** بعد از آن شد پیش شیر پنجه زن‌‌ 1055

He delayed awhile in going, then he went before the lion who rends (his prey) with claws.

ز آن سبب کاندر شدن او ماند دیر ** خاک را می‌‌کند و می‌‌غرید شیر

Because he tarried late in going, the lion was tearing up the earth and roaring.

گفت من گفتم که عهد آن خسان ** خام باشد خام و سست و نارسان‌‌

“I said,” cried the lion, “that the promise of those vile ones would be vain—vain and frail and unfulfilled.