Rumi's Masnavi - This (light) that our souls have obtained from thy spirit shone erstwhile from the dust.

This (light) that our souls have obtained from thy spirit shone erstwhile from the dust. 2665

این که جان ما ز روحت یافته ست ** پیش پیش از خاک آن می‌‌تافته ست‌‌

We were in the earth, and heedless of the earth, heedless of the treasure that lay buried there.

در زمین بودیم و غافل از زمین ** غافل از گنجی که در وی بد دفین‌‌

When He (God) bade us journey from that place of abode our palates were soured (we were bitterly grieved) by the change,

چون سفر فرمود ما را ز آن مقام ** تلخ شد ما را از آن تحویل کام‌‌

So that we were arguing (and saying), ‘O God, who will come in our stead?

تا که حجتها همی‌‌گفتیم ما ** که بجای ما کی آید ای خدا

Wilt Thou sell the splendour of the praise with which we glorify and magnify Thee for babble and palaver?’

نور این تسبیح و این تهلیل را ** می‌‌فروشی بهر قال و قیل را

The decree of God spread for us the carpet (of indulgence), (and He said), ‘Speak ye, in the way of boldness 2670

حکم حق گسترد بهر ما بساط ** که بگویید از طریق انبساط

(And) without fear, whatever comes upon your tongues, like only children with their father;

هر چه آید بر زبانتان بی‌‌حذر ** همچو طفلان یگانه با پدر

For what if these words (of yours) are unseemly? My mercy likewise is prior (superior) to My wrath.

ز آن که این دمها چه گر نالایق است ** رحمت من بر غضب هم سابق است‌‌

In order to manifest this priority, O angel, I will put in thee incitement to perplexity and doubt,

از پی اظهار این سبق ای ملک ** در تو بنهم داعیه‌‌ی اشکال و شک‌‌

That thou mayst speak and I not take offence at thee, (so that) none who denies My clemency may dare to utter a word.

تا بگویی و نگیرم بر تو من ** منکر حلمم نیارد دم زدن‌‌