دید عطار آن و خود مشغول کرد ** که فزون‌تر دزد هین ای روی‌زرد

The druggist saw it, but made himself busy, saying, “Come, steal more, O pale-faced one!

گر بدزدی وز گل من می‌بری ** رو که هم از پهلوی خود می‌خوری 640

If you will be a thief and take some of my clay, go on (doing so), for you are eating out of your own side.

تو همی ترسی ز من لیک از خری ** من همی‌ترسم که تو کمتر خوری

You are afraid of me, but (only) because you are a (stupid) ass: I am afraid you will eat less (too little).

گرچه مشغولم چنان احمق نیم ** که شکر افزون کشی تو از نیم

Though I am occupied, I am not such a fool (as to suffer) that you should get too much of my sugar-cane.

چون ببینی مر شکر را ز آزمود ** پس بدانی احمق و غافل کی بود

When you see (find) by experience the (amount of) sugar (which you have bought), then you will know who was foolish and careless.”

مرغ زان دانه نظر خوش می‌کند ** دانه هم از دور راهش می‌زند

The bird looks pleased at the bait; still, the bait, (though) at a distance (from it), is waylaying it.

کز زنای چشم حظی می‌بری ** نه کباب از پهلوی خود می‌خوری 645

If you are deriving some pleasure from the eye's cupidity, are not you eating roast-meat from your own side?

این نظر از دور چون تیرست و سم ** عشقت افزون می‌شود صبر تو کم

This looking from a distance is like arrows and poison: your fond passion is increased (thereby) and your self-restraint diminished.

مال دنیا دام مرغان ضعیف ** ملک عقبی دام مرغان شریف

Worldly riches are a trap for the weak birds; the kingdom of the next world is a trap for the noble birds,

تا بدین ملکی که او دامست ژرف ** در شکار آرند مرغان شگرف

To the end that by means of this kingdom, which is a deep trap, the great birds may be ensnared.