چون که هیزم باز گیری نار مرد ** ز انکه تقوی آب سوی نار برد3705
When thou withholdest the faggots, the fire dies out, because fear of God carries (as it were) water to the fire.
کی سیه گردد ز آتش روی خوب ** کاو نهد گلگونه از تقوی القلوب
How should the fire blacken the beauteous face (of a soul) which lays (on itself) rose colour (derived) from the fear of God that is in (men's) hearts?
آتش افتادن در شهر به ایام عمر
How a conflagration occurred in the city (Medina) in the days of ‘Umar, may God be well-pleased with him.
آتشی افتاد در عهد عمر ** همچو چوب خشک میخورد او حجر
A conflagration occurred in the time of ‘Umar: it was devouring stones as though they were dry wood.
در فتاد اندر بنا و خانهها ** تا زد اندر پر مرغ و لانهها
It fell upon buildings and houses, until (at last) it darted at the wings and nests of birds.
نیم شهر از شعلهها آتش گرفت ** آب میترسید از آن و میشگفت
Half the city caught fire from the flames: water was afraid of it (the fire) and amazed.
مشکهای آب و سرکه میزدند ** بر سر آتش کسان هوشمند3710
Some intelligent persons were throwing skins of water and vinegar on the fire,
آتش از استیزه افزون میشدی ** میرسید او را مدد از بیحدی
(But) out of spite (obstinacy) the fire was increasing: aid was coming to it from One who is infinite.
خلق آمد جانب عمر شتاب ** کاتش ما مینمیرد هیچ از آب
The people came in haste to ‘Umar, saying, “Our fire will not be quenched at all by water.”
گفت آن آتش ز آیات خداست ** شعلهای از آتش بخل شماست
He said, “That fire is one of God's signs: ’tis a flame from the fire of your avarice.
آب بگذارید و نان قسمت کنید ** بخل بگذارید اگر آل منید
What are water and vinegar? Deal out bread (in charity), discard avarice if ye are my people (followers).”