گرچه با روباه خر اسرار گفت ** سرسری گفت و مقلدوار گفت

گرچه با روباه خر اسرار گفت ** سرسری گفت و مقلدوار گفت 2455

Although the ass spoke of (spiritual) mysteries to the fox, he spoke superficially and like an imitator.

آب را بستود و او تایق نبود ** رخ درید و جامه او عاشق نبود

He praised the water, but he had no longing (for it); he tore his face and raiment, but he was no lover.

از منافق عذر رد آمد نه خوب ** زانک در لب بود آن نه در قلوب

The excuse made by the hypocrite was bad, not good, because it was (only) on their lips, not in their hearts.

بوی سیبش هست جزو سیب نیست ** بو درو جز از پی آسیب نیست

He (the hypocrite) has the smell of the apple, but no part of the apple (itself); and in him (even) the smell is only for the purpose of (coming into) contact (with the true believers).

حمله‌ی زن در میان کارزار ** نشکند صف بلک گردد کارزار

The charge of a woman in battle does not break the (hostile) ranks; nay, her plight becomes pitiable.

گرچه می‌بینی چو شیر اندر صفش ** تیغ بگرفته همی‌لرزد کفش 2460

Though you see her take the sword (and fight) like a lion amidst the ranks, (yet) her hand trembles.

وای آنک عقل او ماده بود ** نفس زشتش نر و آماده بود

Alas for him whose reason is female, while his wicked fleshly soul is male and ready (to gratify its lust)!

لاجرم مغلوب باشد عقل او ** جز سوی خسران نباشد نقل او

Of necessity, his reason is vanquished: his movement is towards naught but perdition.

ای خنک آن کس که عقلش نر بود ** نفس زشتش ماده و مضطر بود

Oh, blest is that one whose reason is male, while his wicked fleshly soul is female and helpless;

عقل جزوی‌اش نر و غالب بود ** نفس انثی را خرد سالب بود

Whose particular (individual) reason is male and dominant, (so that) his intellect deprives the female fleshly soul (of power to do mischief).