غوله‌ای را که بر آرایید غول ** پخته پندارد کسی که هست گول
(Only) one who is foolish will think ripe (and sweet) the ghawla which the ghouls deck out (describe as being attractive).
آزمایش چون نماید جان او ** کند گردد ز آزمون دندان او
When his soul makes trial (of it), its teeth are blunted by the experiment.
از هوس آن دام دانه می‌نمود ** عکس غول حرص و آن خود خام بود
From vain desire, the reflexion (distorting influence) of the ghoul, (which is) greed, was causing the trap to appear a (delicious) berry, though in truth it was unripe.
حرص اندر کار دین و خیر جو ** چون نماند حرص باشد نغزرو1130
Seek greed (seek to be eager) in the practice of religion and in good works: they are (still) beautiful, (even) when the greed (eagerness) remains not.
خیرها نغزند نه از عکس غیر ** تاب حرص ار رفت ماند تاب خیر
Good works are beautiful (in themselves), not through the re flexion of any other thing: if the glow of greed is gone, the glow of good remains;
تاب حرص از کار دنیا چون برفت ** فحم باشد مانده از اخگر بتفت
(But) when the glow of greed is gone from worldly work, of the red-hot coal (only) the black ashes are left.
کودکان را حرص می‌آرد غرار ** تا شوند از ذوق دل دامن‌سوار
Folly excites greed (for amusement) in children, so that from gleefulness of heart they ride a cock-horse
چون ز کودک رفت آن حرص بدش ** بر دگر اطفال خنده آیدش
When that evil greed of his is gone from the child, he begins to laugh at the other children,
که چه می‌کردم چه می‌دیدم درین ** خل ز عکس حرص بنمود انگبین1135
Saying, “What was I doing? What was I seeing in this?” From the reflexion of greed the vinegar appeared to be honey.
آن بنای انبیا بی حرص بود ** زان چنان پیوسته رونقها فزود
That edifice of the prophets was (raised) without greed (self- interest); hence the splendours (of its renown) increased so uninterruptedly.