خواند بر شیر او از این رو پندها ** گفت من پس مانده‌‌ام زین بندها

From this point of view he (the hare) recited counsels to the lion. “I have lagged behind,” said he, “because of these bonds.”

پرسیدن شیر از سبب پای واپس کشیدن خرگوش‌‌

How the lion asked the reason of the hare's drawing back.

شیر گفتش تو ز اسباب مرض ** این سبب گو خاص کاین استم غرض‌‌

The lion said to him, “Amongst (all) the causes of your malady tell (me) the special cause, for this is my object.”

گفت آن شیر اندر این چه ساکن است ** اندر این قلعه ز آفات ایمن است‌‌

“That lion,” he said, “lives in this well: within this fortress he is safe from harms.”

قعر چه بگزید هر کی عاقل است ** ز آن که در خلوت صفاهای دل است‌‌

Every one who is wise chose the bottom of the well (to live in), because spiritual joys are (to be attained only) in solitude.

ظلمت چه به که ظلمتهای خلق ** سر نبرد آن کس که گیرد پای خلق‌‌ 1300

The darkness of the well is better than the dark shades of the world: he that followed at the heels of the world never saved his head.

گفت پیش آ زخمم او را قاهر است ** تو ببین کان شیر در چه حاضر است‌‌

“Come on,” said the lion; “my blow subdues him: see thou whether that lion is in the well at present.”

گفت من سوزیده‌‌ام ز آن آتشی ** تو مگر اندر بر خویشم کشی‌‌

The hare answered, “I am consumed with (dread of) that fieriness (wrath): perhaps thou wilt take me beside thee,

تا بپشت تو من ای کان کرم ** چشم بگشایم به چه در بنگرم‌‌

That with thy support, O mine of generosity, I may open my eyes and look into the well.”

نظر کردن شیر در چاه و دیدن عکس خود را و آن خرگوش را

How the lion looked into the well and saw the reflexion of himself and the hare.

چون که شیر اندر بر خویشش کشید ** در پناه شیر تا چه می‌‌دوید

When the lion took him to his side, under the lion's protection he began to run towards the well.

چون که در چه بنگریدند اندر آب ** اندر آب از شیر و او در تافت تاب‌‌ 1305

As soon as they looked at the water in the well, there shone forth in the water the light (reflected) from the lion and him (the hare).