(If) I have called him by (a word which has) the suffix of pity (tenderness), ’tis not to belittle him: if a grandfather say “my sonny,” it is not (in) contempt.
چون بیامد آن دوم در پیش شاه ** بود او گنده دهان دندان سیاه
When the second (slave) came before the King, he had a stinking mouth and black teeth.
گر چه شه ناخوش شد از گفتار او ** جستجویی کرد هم ز اسرار او
Although the King was displeased by his speech, still he made some inquiry concerning his hidden thoughts.
گفت با این شکل و این گند دهان ** دور بنشین لیک آن سو تر مران
He said, “With this aspect and this foul smell of the mouth, sit at a distance, but do not move too far off—
که تو اهل نامه و رقعه بدی ** نه جلیس و یار و هم بقعه بدی
For (hitherto) you have been (with regard to me in the position of) a writer of letters and notes; you have not been a companion and friend and comrade—
تا علاج آن دهان تو کنیم ** تو حبیب و ما طبیب پر فنیم870
That we may treat (and cure) that mouth of yours: you are (now) the beloved (patient), and we are the skilful physician.
بهر کیکی نو گلیمی سوختن ** نیست لایق از تو دیده دوختن
’Tis not fitting to burn a new blanket on account of one flea; (nor would it become me) to shut my eyes to (turn my back on) you (because of superficial faults).
با همه بنشین دو سه دستان بگو ** تا ببینم صورت عقلت نکو
Notwithstanding all (this), sit down and talk on a few topics, that I may well see the form of your mind.”
آن ذکی را پس فرستاد او به کار ** سوی حمامی که رو خود را بخار
Then he sent that keen-witted one away to do (his behest): (he sent him) to a bathhouse, saying, “Go, scrub yourself.”
وین دگر را گفت خه تو زیرکی ** صد غلامی در حقیقت نه یکی
And to this other one he said, “Good! you are a clever lad: in truth you are a hundred slaves, not one.