گفت چه عذر ای قصور ابلهان ** این زمان آیند در پیش شهان‌‌

“What excuse?” said he. “Oh, the shortsightedness of fools! Is this the time for them to come into the presence of kings?

مرغ بی‌‌وقتی سرت باید برید ** عذر احمق را نمی شاید شنید

Thou art an untimely bird: thy head must be cut off. One ought not to hear the excuse of a fool.

عذر احمق بدتر از جرمش بود ** عذر نادان زهر هر دانش بود 1160

The fool's excuse is worse than his crime; the excuse of the ignorant is the poison of every knowledge.

عذرت ای خرگوش از دانش تهی ** من چه خرگوشم که در گوشم نهی‌‌

Thy excuse, O hare, is devoid of wisdom: what hare am I that thou shouldst put it in my ear?”

گفت ای شه ناکسی را کس شمار ** عذر استم دیده‌‌ای را گوش دار

“O king,” he replied, “account a worthless one to be worthy: hearken to the excuse of one who has suffered oppression.

خاص از بهر زکات جاه خود ** گمرهی را تو مران از راه خود

In particular, as an alms (thank-offering) for thy high estate, do not drive out of thy way one whose way is lost.

بحر کاو آبی به هر جو می‌‌دهد ** هر خسی را بر سر و رو می‌‌نهد

The ocean, which gives some water to every stream, lays on its head and face (surface) every piece of rubbish.

کم نخواهد گشت دریا زین کرم ** از کرم دریا نگردد بیش و کم‌‌ 1165

By this bounty the sea will not become less: the sea is neither increased nor diminished by its bounty.”

گفت دارم من کرم بر جای او ** جامه‌‌ی هر کس برم بالای او

The lion said, “I will bestow bounty in its (proper) place, I will cut every one's clothes according to his stature.”

گفت بشنو گر نباشم جای لطف ** سر نهادم پیش اژدرهای عنف‌‌

“Listen,” cried the hare, “if I am not a fit object for (thy) grace, I lay my head before the dragon of (thy) violence.