Rumi's Masnavi - In the eyes of his master, amongst (in comparison with) the (other) slaves, Luqmán was despicable on account of his body (outward aspect).

In the eyes of his master, amongst (in comparison with) the (other) slaves, Luqmán was despicable on account of his body (outward aspect).

بود لقمان پیش خواجه‌‌ی خویشتن ** در میان بندگانش خوار تن‌‌

He (the master) used to send the slaves to the garden, that fruit might come (be brought to him) for his pleasure. 3585

می‌‌فرستاد او غلامان را به باغ ** تا که میوه آیدش بهر فراغ‌‌

Amongst the slaves Luqmán was (despised) like a parasite; (he was) full of (spiritual) ideas, dark-complexioned as night.

بود لقمان در غلامان چون طفیل ** پر معانی تیره صورت همچو لیل‌‌

Those slaves, being impelled by greed, ate the whole of the fruit with enjoyment,

آن غلامان میوه‌‌های جمع را ** خوش بخوردند از نهیب طمع را

And told their master that Luqmán had eaten it, (whereupon) the master became bitter and sorely displeased with Luqmán.

خواجه را گفتند لقمان خورد آن ** خواجه بر لقمان ترش گشت و گران‌‌

When Luqmán inquired (and ascertained) the cause (of this), he opened his lips to reproach his master.

چون تفحص کرد لقمان از سبب ** در عتاب خواجه‌‌اش بگشاد لب‌‌

“O sire,” said Luqmán, “an unfaithful servant is not approved in the sight of God. 3590

گفت لقمان سیدا پیش خدا ** بنده‌‌ی خاین نباشد مرتضا

Put us all to the test, O noble sir: give us our fill of hot water (to drink),

امتحان کن جمله‌‌مان را ای کریم ** سیرمان در ده تو از آب حمیم‌‌

And afterwards make us run into a great plain, thou being mounted and we on foot.

بعد از آن ما را به صحرایی کلان ** تو سواره ما پیاده می‌‌دوان‌‌

Then behold the evil-doer, (behold) the things that are done by Him who revealeth mysteries!”

آن گهان بنگر تو بد کردار را ** صنعهای کاشف الاسرار را