آمدند از بهر نظاره رجال ** در میانشان آن که بد صاحب خیال‌‌

The men came to look, amongst them he who had the fancy (that the fisherman was Solomon in disguise).

چون در انگشتش بدید انگشتری ** رفت اندیشه و تحری یک سری‌‌

When he saw the ring on his finger, his perplexity and doubt vanished all at once.

وهم آن گاه است کان پوشیده است ** این تحری از پی نادیده است‌‌ 3625

Imagination occurs (only) at the time when that (object of desire) is hidden: this searching is after the unseen.

شد خیال غایب اندر سینه زفت ** چون که حاضر شد خیال او برفت‌‌

Whilst he was absent, fancy waxed strong in his breast: as soon as he was present, his fancy departed.

گر سمای نور بی‌‌باریده نیست ** هم زمین تار بی‌‌بالیده نیست‌‌

If the radiant sky is not without rain, neither is the dark earth without vegetation.

يؤمنون بالغيب می‌‌باید مرا ** ز آن ببستم روزن فانی سرا

(God said), “I want (what is signified by the words) they believe in the unseen: on that account I have shut the window of the fleeting world.

چون شکافم آسمان را در ظهور ** چون بگویم هل تری فیها فطور

When (if) I cleave the sky manifestly, how should I say, ‘Dost thou see any clefts therein?’”

تا در این ظلمت تحری گسترند ** هر کسی رو جانبی می‌‌آورند 3630

In order that in this darkness they may spread (the carpet of) endeavour, they are turning, every one, their faces in some direction.

مدتی معکوس باشد کارها ** شحنه را دزد آورد بر دارها

For awhile things are reversed: the thief brings the magistrate to the gallows,

تا که بس سلطان و عالی همتی ** بنده‌‌ی بنده‌‌ی خود آید مدتی‌‌

So that many a sultan and man of lofty spirit becomes the slave of his own slave for awhile.