کین جهان جیفه‌ست و مردار و رخیص ** بر چنین مردار چون باشم حریص

For this world is a carcase and carrion and vile: how should I be covetous of such carrion as this?

سگ نیم تا پرچم مرده کنم ** عیسی‌ام آیم که تا زنده‌ش کنم

I am not a dog that I should tear off the top-knot of the dead; I am (like) Jesus: I come to make him (the dead) living.

زان همی‌کردم صفوف جنگ چاک ** تا رهانم مر شما را از هلاک

I was cleaving the battle-ranks for the purpose that I might deliver you from destruction.

زان نمی‌برم گلوهای بشر ** تا مرا باشد کر و فر و حشر

I do not cut men's throats in order that power and glory and followers may be mine,

زان همی‌برم گلویی چند تا ** زان گلوها عالمی یابد رها 4555

(But) I cut some throats in order that a (whole) world (of people) may obtain deliverance from those throats,

که شما پروانه‌وار از جهل خویش ** پیش آتش می‌کنید این حمله کیش

For ye in your ignorance make a habit of rushing thus, like moths, at the fire,

من همی‌رانم شما را همچو مست ** از در افتادن در آتش با دو دست

(While) I, (furiously) as a drunken man, drive you away with both hands (to save you) from falling into the fire.

آنک خود را فتحها پنداشتید ** تخم منحوسی خود می‌کاشتید

That which ye deemed victories for yourselves—(thereby) ye were sowing the seed of your damnation.

یکدگر را جد جد می‌خواندید ** سوی اژدرها فرس می‌راندید

Ye were calling one another most earnestly (to fight against me), (and by doing so) ye were riding your horses towards the dragon.

قهر می‌کردید و اندر عین قهر ** خود شما مقهور قهر شیر دهر 4560

Ye were overpowering (me), whilst in the very act of overpowering ye yourselves were being overpowered by the lion (which is) Time.”

بیان آنک طاغی در عین قاهری مقهورست و در عین منصوری ماسور

Showing that the rebellious sinner in the very act of overpowering is overpowered, and in the very moment of victory is made captive.