خاک او گردی و مدفون غمش ** تا دمت یابد مددها از دمش

And by becoming His dust and buried in love of Him, so that your breath may gain replenishments from His breath.

گورخانه و قبه‌ها و کنگره ** نبود از اصحاب معنی آن سره

A tomb with domes and turrets—that is not good (approved) on the part of the followers of Reality.

بنگر اکنون زنده اطلس‌پوش را ** هیچ اطلس دست گیرد هوش را

Look now at a living person attired in satin: does the satin help his understanding at all?

در عذاب منکرست آن جان او ** گزدم غم دل دل غمدان او 135

His soul is in hateful torment, the scorpion of grief is in his grief-laden heart.

از برون بر ظاهرش نقش و نگار ** وز درون ز اندیشه‌ها او زار زار

Outside, on his exterior, broideries and decorations; but within he is sorely lamenting from (bitter) thoughts,

و آن یکی بینی در آن دلق کهن ** چون نبات اندیشه و شکر سخن

While you may see another in an old patched frock, his thoughts (sweet) as the sugar-cane and his words (like) sugar.

بازگشتن به حکایت پیل

Returning to the Story of the elephant.

گفت ناصح بشنوید این پند من ** تا دل و جانتان نگردد ممتحن

Said the sincere adviser, “Hearken to this counsel of mine, so that your hearts and souls may not be afflicted.

با گیاه و برگها قانع شوید ** در شکار پیل‌بچگان کم روید

Be content with herbage and leaves, do not go in chase of the young elephants.

من برون کردم ز گردن وام نصح ** جز سعادت کی بود انجام نصح 140

I have put off from my neck (I have discharged) the debt of admonition: how should the end (final result) of admonition be aught but felicity?

من به تبلیغ رسالت آمدم ** تا رهانم مر شما را از ندم

I came to deliver the message, that I may save you from (fruitless) repentance.