هر یکی دیوار اگر باشد جدا ** سقف چون باشد معلق در هوا 520
If each wall be separated (from the others), how shall the roof remain suspended in the air?
گر نباشد یاری حبر و قلم ** کی فتد بر روی کاغذها رقم
If no help be given by ink and pen, how shall the writing come on to the surface of the paper?
این حصیری که کسی می‌گسترد ** گر نپیوندد به هم بادش برد
If this rush-mat which some one is spreading were not joined together (interwoven), the wind would carry it away.
حق ز هر جنسی چو زوجین آفرید ** پس نتایج شد ز جمعیت پدید
Since God created pairs of every kind, therefore (all) results are produced by means of union.”
او بگفت و او بگفت از اهتزاز ** بحثشان شد اندرین معنی دراز
He (the fowler) spoke (on one side) and it (the bird) spoke (on the other side): their debate on this subject was prolonged by the vehemence (with which they argued).
مثنوی را چابک و دلخواه کن ** ماجرا را موجز و کوتاه کن 525
Make the Mathnawí nimble and pleasing to the heart: abridge and shorten (their) controversy.
بعد از آن گفتش که گندم آن کیست ** گفت امانت از یتیم بی وصیست
Afterwards, it (the bird) said to him, “Whose is the wheat?” He replied, “It is the deposit of an orphan who has no guardian.
مال ایتام است امانت پیش من ** زانک پندارند ما را متمن
It is orphans' property, deposited with me because people deem me trustworthy.”
گفت من مضطرم و مجروح‌حال ** هست مردار این زمان بر من حلال
The bird said, “I am driven by necessity and in a sore plight: (even) carrion is lawful to me at this moment.
هین به دستوری ازین گندم خورم ** ای امین و پارسا و محترم
Hark, with your permission I will eat of this wheat, O trusty and devout and venerable one.”