دزد یعنی خاک گوید هیچ هیچ ** شحنه او را در کشد در پیچ پیچ‏

The thief, that is, the earth, says, “Nothing, nothing!” The Governor (then) puts it to the torture.

شحنه گاهش لطف گوید چون شکر ** گه بر آویزد کند هر چه بتر

Sometimes the Governor speaks to it with kindness (sweet) as sugar; sometimes he hangs it up (in the air), and does his worst,

تا میان قهر و لطف آن خفیه‏ها ** ظاهر آید ز آتش خوف و رجا

In order that, between force and favour, those concealed things may be brought to sight through the fire of fear and hope.

آن بهاران لطف شحنه‏ی کبریاست ** و آن خزان تخویف و تهدید خداست‏

Spring is the kindness of the Almighty Governor, and Autumn is God's menace and intimidation,

و آن زمستان چار میخ معنوی ** تا تو ای دزد خفی ظاهر شوی‏ 2960

And Winter is the allegorical crucifixion, to the end that thou, O hidden thief, mayst be exposed.

پس مجاهد را زمانی بسط دل ** یک زمانی قبض و درد و غش و غل‏

Then (again), he that wages the (spiritual) warfare has at one time (joyous) expansion of heart, at another time (grievous) oppression and pain and torment,

ز انکه این آب و گلی کابدان ماست ** منکر و دزد و ضیای جان ماست‏

Because this water and clay, which is (the stuff of) our bodies, is the denier (enemy) and thief of the light of (our) souls.

حق تعالی گرم و سرد و رنج و درد ** بر تن ما می‏نهد ای شیر مرد

The High God lays upon our body, O man of fortitude, heat and cold and grief and pain,

خوف و جوع و نقص اموال و بدن ** جمله بهر نقد جان ظاهر شدن‏

Fear and hunger and impairment of wealth and body—all for the sake of the soul's coin being brought into sight (and use).

این وعید و وعده‏ها انگیخته ست ** بهر این نیک و بدی کامیخته ست‏ 2965

These threats and promises He hath sent forth on account of this good and evil which He hath mingled.