For the sake of blind conformity and (for the sake of following) traditional ideas, they set their feet (trampled) on the camels of Reason, this venerable Guide.
از پی تقلید و معقولات نقل ** پا نهاده بر جمال پیر عقل
They were not eager for a guide (pír-khar): they all had become (like) an old donkey (pír khar) from paying hypocritical observance to each other's eyes and ears.
پیر خر نی جمله گشته پیر خر ** از ریای چشم و گوش همدگر
God brought the (devout) worshippers from Paradise that He might show unto them the nurslings of Hell-fire.
از بهشت آورد یزدان بردگان ** تا نمایدشان سقر پروردگان
On the meaning of “He let the two seas go to meet one another: between them is a barrier which they do not seek (to cross).”
در معنی آن که مرج البحرين يلتقیان بينهما برزخ لا يبغیان
Behold the people of (destined for) the Fire and those of Paradise dwelling in the same shop, (yet) between them is a barrier which they do not seek to cross.2570
اهل نار و خلد را بین هم دکان ** در میانشان برزخ لا یبغیان
He hath mixed the people of the Fire and the people of the Light: between them He hath reared the mountain of Qáf.
اهل نار و اهل نور آمیخته ** در میانشان کوه قاف انگیخته
He hath mixed (them) like earth and gold in the mine: between them are a hundred deserts and caravanserays.
همچو در کان خاک و زر کرد اختلاط ** در میانشان صد بیابان و رباط
(They are) mixed even as pearls and jet beads in the necklace, (soon to be parted) like guests of a single night.
همچنان که عقد در در و شبه ** مختلط چون میهمان یک شبه
One half of the sea is sweet like sugar: the taste sweet, the colour bright as the moon.
بحر را نیمیش شیرین چون شکر ** طعم شیرین رنگ روشن چون قمر
The other half is bitter as snake's venom: the taste bitter and the colour dark as pitch.2575
نیم دیگر تلخ همچون زهر مار ** طمع تلخ و رنگ مظلم قیروار