Since we are the mates of those who see double, O idolater, ’tis necessary to speak in the fashion of him who attributes a partner (to God).
آن یکیی زان سوی وصفست و حال ** جز دوی ناید به میدان مقال
That Unity is beyond description and condition: nothing comes into the arena (domain) of speech except duality.
یا چو احول این دوی را نوش کن ** یا دهان بر دوز و خوش خاموش کن 2035
Either, like the double-seeing man, drink in (absorb and be satisfied with) this duality, or close your mouth and be very silent;
یا به نوبت گه سکوت و گه کلام ** احولانه طبل می‌زن والسلام
Or (do both) in turns, now silence, now speech: (in the company of the uninitiated) beat the drum like him that sees double, and peace (be with you)!
چون ببینی محرمی گو سر جان ** گل ببینی نعره زن چون بلبلان
When you see a confidant, declare the mystery of the Spirit: (if) you see the rose, sing loud like nightingales.
چون ببینی مشک پر مکر و مجاز ** لب ببند و خویشتن را خنب ساز
(But) when you see (one who resembles) a water-skin full of deceit and falsehood, shut your lips and make yourself like a (dry-lipped) jar;
دشمن آبست پیش او مجنب ** ورنه سنگ جهل او بشکست خنب
(For) he is an enemy to the water (of spiritual life): in his presence do not move (your lips), else the stone of his ignorance breaks the jar.
با سیاستهای جاهل صبر کن ** خوش مدارا کن به عقل من لدن 2040
Patiently endure the punishments inflicted by the ignorant man: give him fair words and dissemble (towards him) with the reason that is divinely inspired.
صبر با نااهل اهلان را جلاست ** صبر صافی می‌کند هر جا دلیست
Patience (shown) to the unworthy is the means of polishing (purifying) the worthy: wherever a heart exists, patience purifies it.
آتش نمرود ابراهیم را ** صفوت آیینه آمد در جلا
The fire of Nimrod was the means of making pure (resplendent) the (inward) mirror of Abraham in (the process of) polishing.