افعیی بر پشت تو بر می‌رود ** او ز بامی بیندش آگه کند

افعیی بر پشت تو بر می‌رود ** او ز بامی بیندش آگه کند 2970

A viper is walking on your back: he (the admonisher) sees it from a roof and makes (you) aware;

گوییش خاموش غمگینم مکن ** گوید او خوش باش خود رفت آن سخن

You say to him, “Hush! do not vex me”: he says, “Be happy! Truly, the words have gone (have been spoken).”

چون زند افعی دهان بر گردنت ** تلخ گردد جمله شادی جستنت

When the viper darts its mouth at your neck, all your desire for happiness is made bitter.

پس بدو گویی همین بود ای فلان ** چون بندریدی گریبان در فغان

Then you say to him, “O so-and-so, was this all (the warning you gave me)? Why didn't you tear your collar in outcry,

یا ز بالایم تو سنگی می‌زدی ** تا مرا آن جد نمودی و بدی

Or why weren't you throwing a stone at me from above, in order that that grave calamity and misfortune might be shown to me (plainly)?”

او بگوید زآنک می‌آزرده‌ای ** تو بگویی نیک شادم کرده‌ای 2975

He says, “(I refrained) because you were annoyed”; you say (ironically), “You have made me very happy!”

گفت من کردم جوامردی بپند ** تا رهانم من ترا زین خشک بند

He says, “I bestowed counsel generously, that I might deliver you from this sterile (unprofitable) bondage.

از لیمی حق آن نشناختی ** مایه‌ی ایذا و طغیان ساختی

From vileness you acknowledged no obligation for that (generosity): you made (it) a source of injury and insolence.”

این بود خوی لیمان دنی ** بد کند با تو چو نیکویی کنی

This is the nature of base villains: he (such a one) does evil to thee when thou doest good (to him).

نفس را زین صبر می‌کن منحنیش ** که لیمست و نسازد نیکویش

As for the fleshly soul, bend it double (mortify it) by means of this renunciation, for it is vile, and kindness suiteth it not.