شاه قاصد گفت هین احوال چیست ** که بغلتان از زر و همیان تهیست

شاه قاصد گفت هین احوال چیست ** که بغلتان از زر و همیان تهیست 2080

The King, (speaking) with a purpose, said, “What has happened? for your arms are empty of gold and purses;

ور نهان کردید دینار و تسو ** فر شادی در رخ و رخسار کو

And if ye have concealed the pounds and pence, (then) where is the brightness of joy (that should appear) on cheeks and countenance?

گرچه پنهان بیخ هر بیخ آورست ** برگ سیماهم وجوهم اخضرست

Although the roots of every rooty (tree) are hidden, (yet) the leaves—their marks (upon) their faces—are green.

آنچ خورد آن بیخ از زهر و ز قند ** نک منادی می‌کند شاخ بلند

Lo, the lofty bough is proclaiming what the root has imbibed, whether it be poison or sugar.

بیخ اگر بی‌برگ و از مایه تهیست ** برگهای سبز اندر شاخ چیست

If the root is leafless and without sap, what (then) are (signify) the green leaves on the bough?

بر زبان بیخ گل مهری نهد ** شاخ دست و پا گواهی می‌دهد 2085

The earth lays a seal on the root's tongue, (but) the bough, its hand and foot, is bearing witness.”

آن امینان جمله در عذر آمدند ** هم‌چو سایه پیش مه ساجد شدند

All those trusted (officers) began to excuse themselves: they fell prostrate, like a shadow in the presence of the moon.

عذر آن گرمی و لاف و ما و من ** پیش شه رفتند با تیغ و کفن

In excuse for that heat (hot-headedness) and boasting and egoism they went to the King with sword and winding-sheet,

از خجالت جمله انگشتان گزان ** هر یکی می‌گفت کای شاه جهان

All of them biting their fingers from shame, and every one saying, “O King of the world,

گر بریزی خون حلالستت حلال ** ور ببخشی هست انعام و نوال

If thou shed (our) blood, ’tis lawful, lawful (for thee to do so); and if thou forgive, ’tis (an act of) grace and bounty.