لیک فتح نامه‌ی تن زپ مدان ** ورنه هر کس سر دل دیدی عیان

But do not think it is easy to open the letter which is the body; otherwise every one would plainly see the secret of the heart.

نامه بگشادن چه دشوارست و صعب ** کار مردانست نه طفلان کعب

How hard and difficult is it to open the letter! ‘Tis a task for men, not for children playing at knuckle

جمله بر فهرست قانع گشته‌ایم ** زانک در حرص و هوا آغشته‌ایم

We have all become satisfied with (reading) the table of contents, because we are steeped in cupidity and vain desire.

باشد آن فهرست دامی عامه را ** تا چنان دانند متن نامه را 1570

The table of contents is a snare for the vulgar, that they may think the text of the scroll is like that (table).

باز کن سرنامه را گردن متاب ** زین سخن والله اعلم بالصواب

Open the title-page, do not turn your neck aside from these words—and God best knoweth the right course.

هست آن عنوان چو اقرار زبان ** متن نامه‌ی سینه را کن امتحان

That title is like a declaration made by the tongue: examine the text of the scroll, namely, the bosom (your inward self),

که موافق هست با اقرار تو ** تا منافق‌وار نبود کار تو

(And see) whether it is in agreement with your declaration, in order that your actions may not be hypocritical.

چون جوالی بس گرانی می‌بری ** زان نباید کم که در وی بنگری

When you are carrying a very heavy sack, you must not fail to look into it,

که چه داری در جوال از تلخ و خوش ** گر همی ارزد کشیدن را بکش 1575

(To see) what of sour and sweet you have in the sack. If it is worth bringing along, bring it;

ورنه خالی کن جوالت را ز سنگ ** باز خر خود را ازین بیگار و ننگ

Otherwise, empty your sack of the stones (in it), and redeem yourself from this fruitless toil and disgrace.