بهر او گفتیم که تدبیر را ** چونک خواهی کرد بگزین پیر را
For his sake we have said, ‘When you wish to plan (anything), choose an elder (to advise you).’
آنک او از پرده‌ی تقلید جست ** او به نور حق ببیند آنچ هست
He who has escaped from the purdah of blind imitation sees by the light of God that which (really) is.
نور پاکش بی‌دلیل و بی‌بیان ** پوست بشکافد در آید در میان2170
Without proof and without exposition the pure Light cleaves its (the object’s) skin and enters into the middle (the core).
پیش ظاهربین چه قلب و چه سره ** او چه داند چیست اندر قوصره
To one who regards (only) the appearance, what is (the difference between) the adulterated and genuine coin? How should he know what is in the date-basket?
ای بسا زر سیه کرده بدود ** تا رهد از دست هر دزدی حسود
Oh, there is much gold made black with smoke, that it may be saved from (falling into) the hands of every envious thief.
ای بسا مس زر اندوده به زر ** تا فروشد آن به عقل مختصر
Oh, there is much copper gilded with gold, that he (the counterfeiter) may sell it to (those of) small understanding.
ما که باطن‌بین جمله‌ی کشوریم ** دل ببینیم و به ظاهر ننگریم
We, who see the inward (reality) of the whole world, see the heart and look not on the outward form.”
قاضیانی که به ظاهر می‌تنند ** حکم بر اشکال ظاهر می‌کنند2175
The cadis who are concerned with the outward form (the letter of the law) give judgement according to outward appearances.
چون شهادت گفت و ایمانی نمود ** حکم او مومن کنند این قوم زود
When he (the suspected person) has uttered the profession of the Faith and has shown some (formal sign of) true belief, at once these people (the cadis) pronounce him a true believer.
بس منافق کاندرین ظاهر گریخت ** خون صد مومن به پنهانی بریخت
There is many a hypocrite who has taken refuge in this out ward form and has shed the blood of a hundred true believers in secret.