آن که از وی فایده زاییده شد ** چون نبیند آن چه ما را دیده شد1520
He from whom (every) benefit was born, how should He not see that which was seen by us?
صد هزاران فایده ست و هر یکی ** صد هزاران پیش آن یک اندکی
There are myriads of benefits, and every myriad is (but) a few beside that one.
آن دم نطقت که جزو جزوهاست ** فایده شد کل کل خالی چراست
The breath of thy speech, which is a part of the parts (bodily members), became beneficial: why (then) is the whole of the whole (the universal connexion of spirit and body) devoid (of benefit)?
تو که جزوی کار تو با فایده ست ** پس چرا در طعن کل آری تو دست
Thou who art a part—thy act (of speaking) is beneficial: why (then) dost thou lift thy hand to assail the whole?
گفت را گر فایده نبود مگو ** ور بود هل اعتراض و شکر جو
If there is no benefit in speech, do not speak; and if there is, leave off making objections, and endeavour to give thanks.”
شکر یزدان طوق هر گردن بود ** نه جدال و رو ترش کردن بود1525
Thanksgiving to God is a collar on every neck (every one's duty); it is not (thanksgiving) to dispute and make one's face look sour.
گر ترش رو بودن آمد شکر و بس ** پس چو سرکه شکر گویی نیست کس
If thanksgiving is only to look sour, then there is no thanks-giver like vinegar.
سرکه را گر راه باید در جگر ** گو بشو سرکنگبین او از شکر
If vinegar wants (to find) the way to the liver, let it become oxymel by (being mixed with) sugar.
معنی اندر شعر جز با خبط نیست ** چون قلاسنگ است اندر ضبط نیست
The meaning in poetry has no sureness of direction: it is like the sling, it is not under control.
در معنی آن که من أراد أن یجلس مع الله فلیجلس مع أهل التصوف
On the inner sense of “Let him who desires to sit with God sit with the Súfís.”
آن رسول از خود بشد زین یک دو جام ** نه رسالت یاد ماندش نه پیام
The ambassador became beside himself from these one or two cups (of spiritual discourse): neither embassage nor message remained in his memory.