زین سبب بر انبیا رنج و شکست ** از همه خلق جهان افزونترست

زین سبب بر انبیا رنج و شکست ** از همه خلق جهان افزونترست 100

For this reason the tribulation and abasement (laid) upon the prophets is greater than (that laid upon) all the (other) creatures in the world,

تا ز جانها جانشان شد زفت‌تر ** که ندیدند آن بلا قوم دگر

So that their souls became stouter than (all other) souls; for no other class of people suffered that affliction.

پوست از دارو بلاکش می‌شود ** چون ادیم طایفی خوش می‌شود

The hide is afflicted by the medicine (tan-liquor), (but) it becomes sweet like Tá’if leather;

ورنه تلخ و تیز مالیدی درو ** گنده گشتی ناخوش و ناپاک بو

And if he (the tanner) did not rub the bitter and acrid (liquor) into it, it would become fetid, unpleasant, and foul-smelling.

آدمی را پوست نامدبوغ دان ** از رطوبتها شده زشت و گران

Know that Man is an untanned hide, made noisome and gross by humours.

تلخ و تیز و مالش بسیار ده ** تا شود پاک و لطیف و با فره 105

Give (him) bitter and acrid (discipline) and much rubbing (tribulation), that he may become pure and lovely and exceedingly strong;

ور نمی‌توانی رضا ده ای عیار ** گر خدا رنجت دهد بی‌اختیار

But if you cannot (mortify yourself), be content, O cunning one, if God give you tribulation without choice (on your part),

که بلای دوست تطهیر شماست ** علم او بالای تدبیر شماست

For affliction (sent) by the Friend is (the means of) your being purified: His knowledge is above your contrivance.

چون صفا بیند بلا شیرین شود ** خوش شود دارو چو صحت‌بین شود

The affliction becomes sweet (to the sufferer) when he sees happiness: the medicine becomes sweet (to the sick man) when he regards health.

برد بیند خویش را در عین مات ** پس بگوید اقتلونی یا ثقات

He sees victory for himself in the very essence of checkmate; therefore he says, “Kill me, O trusty ones!”