گربه بر سوراخ زان شد معتکف ** که از آن سوراخ او شد معتلف
The cat became intent on (watching) the (mouse)-hole because she had (formerly) provisioned herself from that hole.
گربه‌ی دیگر همی‌گردد به بام ** کز شکار مرغ یابید او طعام
Another cat prowls on the roof because she (formerly) obtained food by preying on birds.
آن یکی را قبله شد جولاهگی ** وآن یکی حارس برای جامگی
One man's qibla (object of attention) is the weaver's craft, while another is a guardsman for the sake of the (king's) allowance;
وان یکی بی‌کار و رو در لامکان ** که از آن سو دادیش تو قوت جان 585
And another is unemployed, his face (turned) towards (the world of) non-spatiality because Thou (formerly) gavest him spiritual food from that quarter.
کار او دارد که حق را شد مرید ** بهر کار او ز هر کاری برید
He has the (real) work who has become desirous of God and for His work's sake has severed himself from every (other) work.
دیگران چون کودکان این روز چند ** تا شب ترحال بازی می‌کنند
The rest are like children playing, these few days, till the departure at nightfall.
خوابناکی کو ز یقظت می‌جهد ** دایه‌ی وسواس عشوه‌ش می‌دهد
The drowsy one who awakes and springs up, him the nurse, evil suggestion, beguiles,
رو بخسپ ای جان که نگذاریم ما ** که کسی از خواب بجهاند ترا
Saying, “Go to sleep, my darling, for I will not let any one arouse thee from (thy heedless) slumber.”
هم تو خود را بر کنی از بیخ خواب ** هم‌چو تشنه که شنود او بانک آب 590
You yourself (if you are wise) will tear up your slumber by the roots, like the thirsty man who heard the noise of the water.
بانگ آبم من به گوش تشنگان ** هم‌چو باران می‌رسم از آسمان
(God says to you), “I am the noise of the water in the ears of the thirsty: I am coming like rain from heaven.