که سببها نیست حاجت مر مرا ** آن سبب بهر حجابست و غطا

For I have no need of means: those means are (only) for the purpose of (serving as) a screen and covering,

تا طبیعی خویش بر دارو زند ** تا منجم رو با ستاره کند

To the end that the natural philosopher may attach himself to the drug; and that the astronomer may turn his face to the star;

تا منافق از حریصی بامداد ** سوی بازار آید از بیم کساد

And that the hypocrite, from greed, may come to market at daybreak for fear of (finding) no demand for his wares,

بندگی ناکرده و ناشسته روی ** لقمه‌ی دوزخ بگشته لقمه‌جوی

Without having performed his devotions or washed his face (whilst) seeking morsels (for himself) he has become a morsel for Hell.”

آکل و ماکول آمد جان عام ** هم‌چو آن بره‌ی چرنده از حطام 3605

The spirit of the vulgar is devouring and being devoured, like the lamb that feeds on hay.

می‌چرد آن بره و قصاب شاد ** کو برای ما چرد برگ مراد

The lamb is feeding, while the butcher rejoices, saying, “For our sake it feeds on the grass of (its) desire.”

کار دوزخ می‌کنی در خوردنی ** بهر او خود را تو فربه می‌کنی

In respect of food and drink thou art doing the work of Hell thou art fattening thyself for its (Hell’s) sake.

کار خود کن روزی حکمت بچر ** تا شود فربه دل با کر و فر

Do thine own work, feed on the daily bread of Wisdom, that the glorious heart (spirit) may become fat.

خوردن تن مانع این خوردنست ** جان چو بازرگان و تن چون ره‌زنست

Bodily eating and drinking is the obstacle to this (spiritual) eating and drinking: the spirit is like a merchant, while the body is like a highwayman.

شمع تاجر آنگهست افروخته ** که بود ره‌زن چو هیزم سوخته 3610

(Only) at the time when the highwayman is consumed like firewood is the candle of the spirit resplendent;