کو همی‌بیند شما را از کمین ** که شما او را نمی‌بینید هین

For he sees you from ambush, so that ye see him not. Take care!

دایما صیاد ریزد دانه‌ها ** دانه پیدا باشد و پنهان دغا

The fowler scatters grain incessantly: the grain is visible, but the deceit is hidden.

هر کجا دانه بدیدی الحذر ** تا نبندد دام بر تو بال و پر

Wherever you see the grain, beware, lest the trap confine your wings and pinions,

زانک مرغی کو بترک دانه کرد ** دانه از صحرای بی تزویر خورد 2860

Because the bird that takes leave of (relinquishes) the grain (bait), eats grain from the spacious field (of Reality) that is without imposture.

هم بدان قانع شد و از دام جست ** هیچ دامی پر و بالش را نبست

With that (grain) it is contented, and escapes the trap: no trap confines its wings and pinions.

وخامت کار آن مرغ کی ترک حزم کرد از حرص و هوا

The banefulness of the action of the bird that abandons prudence from (motives of) greed and vain desire.

باز مرغی فوق دیواری نشست ** دیده سوی دانه دامی ببست

Again, a bird settles on a wall and fastens its eyes upon the grain in a trap.

یک نظر او سوی صحرا می‌کند ** یک نظر حرصش به دانه می‌کشد

Now it looks towards the open country, (while) now its greed leads it to look at the grain.

این نظر با آن نظر چالیش کرد ** ناگهانی از خرد خالیش کرد

This look struggles with that look and suddenly makes it (the bird) empty of wisdom.

باز مرغی کان تردد را گذاشت ** زان نظر بر کند و بر صحرا گماشت 2865

Again, a bird that has abandoned that vacillation turns its gaze away from that (grain) and fixes it upon the open fields.

شاد پر و بال او بخا له ** تا امام جمله آزادان شد او

Glad (glistening) are its wings and pinions: how goodly it is, since it has become the leader of all the free.