ز ابتدای کار آخر را ببین ** تا نباشی تو پشیمان یوم دین

From the beginning of the affair discern the end (thereof), so that thou mayst not be repenting on the Day of Judgement.

دیدن زرگر عاقبت کار را و سخن بر وفق عاقبت گفتن با مستعیر ترازو

How a goldsmith discerned the end of the affair and spoke in accordance with the end to one who wished to borrow his scales.

آن یکی آمد به پیش زرگری ** که ترازو ده که بر سنجم زری

A certain man came to a goldsmith, saying, “Give me the scales, that I may weigh some gold.”

گفت خواجه رو مرا غربال نیست ** گفت میزان ده برین تسخر مه‌ایست 1625

The master (goldsmith) said, “Go, I have no sieve.” “Give me the scales,” he replied, “and don't stop to jest like this.”

گفت جاروبی ندارم در دکان ** گفت بس بس این مضاحک رابمان

He said, “I have no broom in the shop.” “Enough, enough!” cried the other; “leave these jokes.

من ترازویی که می‌خواهم بده ** خویشتن را کر مکن هر سو مجه

Give (me) the scales which I am asking for; don't make yourself out to be deaf, don't jump in every direction.”

گفت بشنیدم سخن کر نیستم ** تا نپنداری که بی معنیستم

He (the goldsmith) said, “I heard what you said, I am not deaf; you must not think that I am nonsensical.

این شنیدم لیک پیری مرتعش ** دست لرزان جسم تو نا منتعش

I heard this (request), but you are a shaky old man: your hand is trembling and your body is not erect;

وان زر تو هم قراضه‌ی خرد مرد ** دست لرزد پس بریزد زر خرد 1630

And moreover that gold of yours consists of little tiny filings: your hand trembles, so the fragments of gold will drop (from it);

پس بگویی خواجه جاروبی بیار ** تا بجویم زر خود را در غبار

Then you will say, ‘Sir, fetch a broom, that I may look in the dust for my gold.’

چون بروبی خاک را جمع آوری ** گوییم غلبیر خواهم ای جری

When you sweep (with the broom), you will gather dust (along with the gold); you will say to me, ‘I want the sieve, O gallant man.’