من شنیدم که در آمد قبطیی ** از عطش اندر وثاق سبطیی
I heard that an Egyptian, on account of thirst, came into the house of an Israelite.
گفت هستم یار و خویشاوند تو ** گشته‌ام امروز حاجتمند تو
He said, “I am thy friend and kinsman: to-day I have become in need of thee,
زانک موسی جادوی کرد و فسون ** تا که آب نیل ما را کرد خون
Because Moses wrought sorcery and enchantments, so that he made the water of the Nile to be blood for us.
سبطیان زو آب صافی می‌خورند ** پیش قبطی خون شد آب از چشم‌بند
The Israelites drink pure water from it, (but) to the Egyptians the water has become blood from the spell laid on our eyes.
قبط اینک می‌مرند از تشنگی ** از پی ادبار خود یا بدرگی3435
Look, the Egyptians are dying of thirst in consequence of their ill-fortune or their evil nature.
بهر خود یک طاس را پر آب کن ** تا خورد از آبت این یار کهن
Fill one cup with water for thyself, that this old friend may drink of thy water.
چون برای خود کنی آن طاس پر ** خون نباشد آب باشد پاک و حر
When thou fillest that cup for thine own sake, ’twill not be blood, ’twill be water pure and free (from taint).
من طفیل تو بنوشم آب هم ** که طفیلی در تبع به جهد ز غم
I too will drink the water as thy parasite; for a parasite, in following (his host), is relieved from anguish.”
گفت ای جان و جهان خدمت کنم ** پاس دارم ای دو چشم روشنم
He (the Israelite) said, “O (thou who art to me as) soul and world, I will do (this) service (for thee); I will pay (thee) regard (in this matter), O (thou who art as) my two bright eyes!
بر مراد تو روم شادی کنم ** بنده‌ی تو باشم آزادی کنم3440
I will do according to thy desire, I will rejoice (to serve thee); I will be thy slave, I will act (generously) as a freeman.”