بعد ده سال و بهر سالی چنین ** لابه‌ها و وعده‌های شکرین

After ten years—and every year the same sugared entreaties and promises—

کودکان خواجه گفتند ای پدر ** ماه و ابر و سایه هم دارد سفر

The Khwája's children said, “O father, the moon and the clouds and the shadows too have their journeys.

حقها بر وی تو ثابت کرده‌ای ** رنجها در کار او بس برده‌ای 260

You have laid obligations on him, you have taken great pains on his account,

او همی‌خواهد که بعضی حق آن ** وا گزارد چون شوی تو میهمان

And he wishes to repay some part of that obligation when you become his guest.

بس وصیت کرد ما را او نهان ** که کشیدش سوی ده لابه‌کنان

He gave us many injunctions in secret: ‘Bring him to the country,’ said he, ‘coaxing (him to come).’”

گفت حقست این ولی ای سیبویه ** اتق من شر من احسنت الیه

He (the townsman) said, “This is true, but, O Síbawayh, be on thy guard against the malice of him to whom thou hast shown kindness.

دوستی تخم دم آخر بود ** ترسم از وحشت که آن فاسد شود

Love is the seed (that bears fruit at the moment) of the last breath: I fear that it may be corrupted by estrangement.”

صحبتی باشد چو شمشیر قطوع ** همچو دی در بوستان و در زروع 265

There is a friendship like a cutting sword, (destructive) as December in the gardens and cornfields;

صحبتی باشد چو فصل نوبهار ** زو عمارتها و دخل بی‌شمار

There is a friendship like the season of spring, whence (come) restorations and produce incalculable.

حزم آن باشد که ظن بد بری ** تا گریزی و شوی از بد بری

Prudence is this, that you think evil, so that you may flee and become quit of evil.