چون خلیفه دید و احوالش شنید ** آن سبو را پر ز زر کرد و مزید
When the Caliph saw (the gift) and heard his story, he filled the jug with gold and added (other presents).
آن عرب را کرد از فاقه خلاص ** داد بخششها و خلعتهای خاص
He delivered the Arab from penury, he bestowed donations and special robes of honour,
کاین سبو پر زر به دست او دهید ** چون که واگردد سوی دجلهش برید2855
Saying, “Give into his hand this jug full of gold. When he returns (home), take him to the Tigris.
از ره خشک آمده ست و از سفر ** از ره آبش بود نزدیکتر
He has come (hither) by way of the desert and by travelling (on land): it will be nearer for him (to return) by way of the Tigris.”
چون به کشتی درنشست و دجله دید ** سجده میکرد از حیا و میخمید
When he (the Arab) embarked in the boat and beheld the Tigris, he was prostrating himself in shame and bowing (his head),
کای عجب لطف این شه وهاب را ** وین عجبتر کو ستد آن آب را
Saying, “Oh, wonderful is the kindness of this bounteous King, and ’tis (even) more wonderful that he took that water.
چون پذیرفت از من آن دریای جود ** آن چنان نقد دغل را زود زود
How did that Sea of munificence so quickly accept from me such spurious coin as that?”
کل عالم را سبو دان ای پسر ** کاو بود از علم و خوبی تا به سر2860
Know, O son, that everything in the universe is a jug which is (filled) to the brim with wisdom and beauty.
قطرهای از دجلهی خوبی اوست ** کان نمیگنجد ز پری زیر پوست
It (everything in the universe) is a drop of the Tigris of His beauty, which (beauty) because of its fullness is not contained under the skin (that should enclose it).
گنج مخفی بد ز پری چاک کرد ** خاک را تابان تر از افلاک کرد
’Twas a hidden treasure: because of its fullness it burst forth and made the earth more shining than the heavens.