روی سوی مدرسه کرده صبوح ** تا بدین ناموس یابد او فتوح

He had set his face towards the college at dawn, that by means of this false dignity he might gain (material) blessings.

در ره تاریک مردی جامه کن ** منتظر استاده بود از بهر فن

A clothes-robber stood waiting on the dark road to practise his craft.

در ربود او از سرش دستار را ** پس دوان شد تا بسازد کار را 1585

He snatched the turban from his head, and then started to run in order that he might settle the business.

پس فقیهش بانگ برزد کای پسر ** باز کن دستار را آنگه ببر

Thereupon the divine shouted at him, saying, “O son, undo the turban (first), then take it (away with you).

این چنین که چار پره می‌پری ** باز کن آن هدیه را که می‌بری

Even as you are flying with four wings (very rapidly), (with the same speed) undo the gift which you are taking away.

باز کن آن را به دست خود بمال ** آنگهان خواهی ببر کردم حلال

Undo it and rub (feel) with your hand, then take it if you like: I sanction (that).”

چونک بازش کرد آنک می‌گریخت ** صد هزاران ژنده اندر ره بریخت

When he who was fleeing undid it, a hundred thousand rags dropped on the road.

زان عمامه‌ی زفت نابایست او ** ماند یک گز کهنه‌ای در دست او 1590

Of that big improper turban of his there remained in his (the robber's) hand (only) an ell of old cloth.

بر زمین زد خرقه را کای بی‌عیار ** زین دغل ما را بر آوردی ز کار

He dashed the rag on the ground, saying, “O worthless man, by this fraud you have put me out of business (deprived me of profit).”

نصیحت دنیا اهل دنیا را به زبان حال و بی‌وفایی خود را نمودن به وفا طمع دارندگان ازو

The World's mute admonition to worldlings, and how it displays its faithlessness to those who have hope of its keeping faith (with them).

گفت بنمودم دغل لیکن ترا ** از نصیحت باز گفتم ماجرا

He (the divine) said, “I defrauded (you), but (at the same time) I declared to you the (truth of the) matter by way of admonition.”