این سزای آنک شد یار خسان ** یا کسی کرداز برای ناکسان
This is what is deserved by him that consorted with the vile, or showed worthiness for the sake of the unworthy.
این سزای آنک اندر طمع خام ** ترک گوید خدمت خاک کرام
This is what is deserved by him that in vain desire gives up paying homage to the dust of the noble.
خاک پاکان لیسی و دیوارشان ** بهتر از عام و رز و گلزارشان
That you lick the dust and the wall of the pure (elect) is better (for you) than the vulgar and their vines and rose-gardens.
بنده‌ی یک مرد روشن‌دل شوی ** به که بر فرق سر شاهان روی640
That you become a slave to a man of enlightened heart is better (for you) than that you should walk upon the crown of the head of kings.
از ملوک خاک جز بانگ دهل ** تو نخواهی یافت ای پیک سبل
From the kings of earth you will get nothing but the (empty) noise of a drum, O courier of (many) roads.
شهریان خود ره‌زنان نسبت بروح ** روستایی کیست گیج و بی فتوح
Even the townsmen are brigands in comparison with the Spirit. Who is the countryman? The fool that is without spiritual gifts.
این سزای آنک بی تدبیر عقل ** بانگ غولی آمدش بگزید نقل
This is what is deserved by him who, (when) the cry of a ghoul came to him, without rational foresight chose to move (towards the ghoul).
چون پشیمانی ز دل شد تا شغاف ** زان سپس سودی ندارد اعتراف
When repentance has gone from the (core of the) heart to the pericardium after that it is of no use to acknowledge (one's sin).
آن کمان و تیر اندر دست او ** گرگ را جویان همه شب سو بسو645
(With) the bow and arrow in his hand, he (was) seeking the wolf all night to and fro.
گرگ بر وی خود مسلط چون شرر ** گرگ جویان و ز گرگ او بی‌خبر
The wolf, in sooth, was given power over him, like sparks of fire: (he was) seeking the wolf (outside), and (was) unaware of the wolf (within himself).