Rumi's Masnavi - It fell upon buildings and houses, until (at last) it darted at the wings and nests of birds.

It fell upon buildings and houses, until (at last) it darted at the wings and nests of birds.

در فتاد اندر بنا و خانه‌‌ها ** تا زد اندر پر مرغ و لانه‌‌ها

Half the city caught fire from the flames: water was afraid of it (the fire) and amazed.

نیم شهر از شعله‌‌ها آتش گرفت ** آب می‌‌ترسید از آن و می‌‌شگفت‌‌

Some intelligent persons were throwing skins of water and vinegar on the fire, 3710

مشکهای آب و سرکه می‌‌زدند ** بر سر آتش کسان هوشمند

(But) out of spite (obstinacy) the fire was increasing: aid was coming to it from One who is infinite.

آتش از استیزه افزون می‌‌شدی ** می‌‌رسید او را مدد از بی‌‌حدی‌‌

The people came in haste to ‘Umar, saying, “Our fire will not be quenched at all by water.”

خلق آمد جانب عمر شتاب ** کاتش ما می‌‌نمیرد هیچ از آب‌‌

He said, “That fire is one of God's signs: ’tis a flame from the fire of your avarice.

گفت آن آتش ز آیات خداست ** شعله‌‌ای از آتش بخل شماست‌‌

What are water and vinegar? Deal out bread (in charity), discard avarice if ye are my people (followers).”

آب بگذارید و نان قسمت کنید ** بخل بگذارید اگر آل منید

The folk said to him, “We have opened our doors, we have been bountiful and devoted to generosity.” 3715

خلق گفتندش که در بگشوده‌‌ایم ** ما سخی و اهل فتوت بوده‌‌ایم‌‌

He replied, “Ye have given bread by rule and habit, ye have not opened your hands for the sake of God—

گفت نان در رسم و عادت داده‌‌اید ** دست از بهر خدا نگشاده‌‌اید

(Only) for glory and for ostentation and for pride, not because of fear and piety and supplication.”

بهر فخر و بهر بوش و بهر ناز ** نه از برای ترس و تقوی و نیاز