آن یکی گفت ار چنانست آن ندید ** چون بخندید او که ما را بسته دید4520
One (of the captives) said, “If that adversary (of ours) is such (as you describe), how did he laugh when he saw us bound (in chains)?
چونک او مبدل شدست و شادیش ** نیست زین زندان و زین آزادیش
Since (as you assert) he has been transmuted, and (since) his joy is not caused by this (worldly) prison and this freedom of his (from worldly embarrassments),
پس به قهر دشمنان چون شاد شد ** چون ازین فتح و ظفر پر باد شد
How, then, did he rejoice at the subjection of (his) enemies? How was he puffed up by this victory and conquest?
شاد شد جانش که بر شیران نر ** یافت آسان نصرت و دست و ظفر
His soul rejoiced because he easily gained the (Divine) help and the upper hand and the victory over fierce lions (like us).
پس بدانستیم کو آزاد نیست ** جز به دنیا دلخوش و دلشاد نیست
Hence we knew that he is not free (from the bondage of the flesh), and that only on account of this world is he happy and glad at heart.
ورنه چون خندد که اهل آن جهان ** بر بد و نیک‌اند مشفق مهربان4525
Else, how should he laugh (at us)? for the otherworldly are compassionate and kind to the evil and the good (alike).”
این بمنگیدند در زیر زبان ** آن اسیران با هم اندر بحث آن
Thus did those captives mutter to each other under their breath in discussing that (question),
تا موکل نشنود بر ما جهد ** خود سخن در گوش آن سلطان برد
(Saying, “Beware) lest the custodian hear (us) and spring upon us and personally carry our words to the ear of that (spiritual) Sultan.”
آگاه شدن پیغامبر علیه السلام از طعن ایشان بر شماتت او
How the Prophet, on whom be peace, became aware of their chiding him for his exultation.
گرچه نشنید آن موکل آن سخن ** رفت در گوشی که آن بد من لدن
Though the custodian did not hear those words, they entered into the ear that was (hearing) from the presence (of God).
بوی پیراهان یوسف را ندید ** آنک حافظ بود و یعقوبش کشید
The scent of Joseph's spirit was not perceived by its keeper, but Jacob inhaled it.