چون سلیمان را سراپرده زدند ** جمله مرغانش به خدمت آمدند

When the tent-pavilion was pitched for Solomon, all the birds came to pay him obeisance.

هم زبان و محرم خود یافتند ** پیش او یک یک به جان بشتافتند

They found (him) speaking the same tongue (as themselves) and familiar with them: one by one they sped with (eager) soul into his presence.

جمله مرغان ترک کرده جیک جیک ** با سلیمان گشته افصح من اخیک‌‌

All the birds, having ceased from twittering, (in converse) with Solomon became more distinct (spoke more articulately) than your own brother.

هم زبانی خویشی و پیوندی است ** مرد با نامحرمان چون بندی است‌‌ 1205

To speak the same tongue is a kinship and affinity: a man, (when he is) with those in whom he cannot confide, is like a prisoner in chains.

ای بسا هندو و ترک هم زبان ** ای بسا دو ترک چون بیگانگان‌‌

Oh, many are the Indians and Turks that speak the same tongue; oh, many the pair of Turks that are as strangers (to each other).

پس زبان محرمی خود دیگر است ** هم دلی از هم زبانی بهتر است‌‌

Therefore the tongue of mutual understanding is different indeed: to be one in heart is better than to be one in tongue.

غیر نطق و غیر ایما و سجل ** صد هزاران ترجمان خیزد ز دل‌‌

Without speech and without sign or scroll, hundreds of thousands of interpreters arise from the heart.

جمله مرغان هر یکی اسرار خود ** از هنر وز دانش و از کار خود

The birds, all and each, their secrets of skill and knowledge and practice

با سلیمان یک به یک وامی‌‌نمود ** از برای عرضه خود را می‌‌ستود 1210

Were revealing, one by one, to Solomon, and were praising themselves by way of submitting a request (for his consideration),

از تکبر نی و از هستی خویش ** بهر آن تا ره دهد او را به پیش‌‌

Not from pride and self-conceit, (but) in order that he might give them access to him.