دانه‌ی چندی نهاده بر زمین ** وآن صیاد آنجا نشسته در کمین

Some grain had been placed on the ground, and the fowler was ensconced there in ambush.

خویشتن پیچیده در برگ و گیاه ** تا در افتد صید بیچاره ز راه

He had wrapped himself in leaves and grass, that the wretched prey might slip off from the path (of safety).

مرغک آمد سوی او از ناشناخت ** پس طوافی کرد و پیش مرد تاخت

A little bird approached him in ignorance (of his disguise): then it hopped round and ran up to the man,

گفت او را کیستی تو سبزپوش ** در بیابان در میان این وحوش

And said to him, “Who are you, clad in green in the desert amidst (all) these wild animals?”

گفت مرد زاهدم من منقطع ** با گیاهی گشتم اینجا مقتنع 440

He replied, “I am an ascetic severed (from mankind): I have become content (to live) here with some grass.

زهد و تقوی را گزیدم دین و کیش ** زانک می‌دیدم اجل را پیش خویش

I adopted asceticism and piety as my religion and practice because I saw before me the appointed end of my life.

مرگ همسایه مرا واعظ شده ** کسب و دکان مرا برهم زده

My neighbour's death had given me warning and upset my (worldly) business and shop.

چون به آخر فرد خواهم ماندن ** خو نباید کرد با هر مرد و زن

Since I shall be left alone at the last, it behoves me not to become friendly with every man and woman.

رو بخواهم کرد آخر در لحد ** آن به آید که کنم خو با احد

I shall turn my face to the grave at the last: ’tis better that I should make friends with the One (God).

چو زنخ را بست خواهند ای صنم ** آن به آید که زنخ کمتر زنم 445

Since my jaw will (ultimately) be bound up, O worshipful one, ’tis better that I should jaw little (now).