Rumi's Masnavi - Regard the king as a reservoir, his retainers as the pipes: the water runs through the pipe into the ponds (receptacles).

Regard the king as a reservoir, his retainers as the pipes: the water runs through the pipe into the ponds (receptacles).

شه چو حوضی دان حشم چون لوله‌‌ها ** آب از لوله روان در کوله‌‌ها

When the water in all (the pipes) is from a pure reservoir, every single one gives sweet water, pleasant to taste;

چون که آب جمله از حوضی است پاک ** هر یکی آبی دهد خوش ذوقناک‌‌

But if the water in the reservoir is brackish and dirty, every pipe brings the same to view,

ور در آن حوض آب شور است و پلید ** هر یکی لوله همان آرد پدید

Because every pipe is connected with the reservoir. Dive, dive into (ponder deeply) the meaning of these words.

ز آن که پیوسته ست هر لوله به حوض ** خوض کن در معنی این حرف خوض‌‌

(Consider) how the imperial grace of the homeless Spirit has produced effects on the whole body; 2825

لطف شاهنشاه جان بی‌‌وطن ** چون اثر کرده ست اندر کل تن‌‌

How the grace of Reason, which is of goodly nature, of goodly lineage, brings the entire body into discipline;

لطف عقل خوش نهاد خوش نسب ** چون همه تن را در آرد در ادب‌‌

How Love, saucy, uncontrolled, and restless, throws the whole body into madness.

عشق شنگ بی‌‌قرار بی‌‌سکون ** چون در آرد کل تن را در جنون‌‌

The purity of the water of the Sea that is like Kawthar (is such that) all its pebbles are pearls and gems.

لطف آب بحر کاو چون کوثر است ** سنگ ریزه‌‌ش جمله در و گوهر است‌‌

For whatever science the master is renowned, the souls of his pupils become endued with the same.

هر هنر که استا بدان معروف شد ** جان شاگردان بدان موصوف شد

With the master-theologian the quick and industrious pupil reads (scholastic) theology. 2830

پیش استاد اصولی هم اصول ** خواند آن شاگرد چست با حصول‌‌