Rumi's Masnavi - Who (what) is a half-witted (feeble) hare, that he should thus throw on the ground (disregard) my behest?”

Who (what) is a half-witted (feeble) hare, that he should thus throw on the ground (disregard) my behest?” 1155

نیم خرگوشی که باشد که چنین ** امر ما را افکند او بر زمین‌‌

Abandon the hare's sleep of heedlessness! Give ear, O donkey, to the roaring of this lion!

ترک خواب غفلت خرگوش کن ** غره‌‌ی این شیر ای خر گوش کن‌‌

The hare's apology.

عذر گفتن خرگوش‌‌

“Mercy!” cried the hare, “I have an excuse, if thy Lordship's pardon come to my aid.”

گفت خرگوش الامان عذریم هست ** گر دهد عفو خداوندیت دست‌‌

“What excuse?” said he. “Oh, the shortsightedness of fools! Is this the time for them to come into the presence of kings?

گفت چه عذر ای قصور ابلهان ** این زمان آیند در پیش شهان‌‌

Thou art an untimely bird: thy head must be cut off. One ought not to hear the excuse of a fool.

مرغ بی‌‌وقتی سرت باید برید ** عذر احمق را نمی شاید شنید

The fool's excuse is worse than his crime; the excuse of the ignorant is the poison of every knowledge. 1160

عذر احمق بدتر از جرمش بود ** عذر نادان زهر هر دانش بود

Thy excuse, O hare, is devoid of wisdom: what hare am I that thou shouldst put it in my ear?”

عذرت ای خرگوش از دانش تهی ** من چه خرگوشم که در گوشم نهی‌‌

“O king,” he replied, “account a worthless one to be worthy: hearken to the excuse of one who has suffered oppression.

گفت ای شه ناکسی را کس شمار ** عذر استم دیده‌‌ای را گوش دار

In particular, as an alms (thank-offering) for thy high estate, do not drive out of thy way one whose way is lost.

خاص از بهر زکات جاه خود ** گمرهی را تو مران از راه خود

The ocean, which gives some water to every stream, lays on its head and face (surface) every piece of rubbish.

بحر کاو آبی به هر جو می‌‌دهد ** هر خسی را بر سر و رو می‌‌نهد