(Why), after all, do not we consider with intelligent mind that this damage to the corn arises from the deceitfulness of the mouse?
می‌‌نیندیشیم آخر ما به هوش ** کین خلل در گندم است از مکر موش
Since the mouse has made a hole in our barn, and our barn has been ravaged by its guile,
موش تا انبار ما حفره زده ست ** وز فنش انبار ما ویران شده ست
O soul, in the first place avert the mischief of the mouse, and then show fervour (zeal) in garnering the corn.380
اول ای جان دفع شر موش کن ** وانگهان در جمع گندم جوش کن
Hear (one) of the sayings related from the Chiefest of the Chief (the Prophet): “No prayer is complete without ‘presence’ (concentration of the mind on God).”
بشنو از اخبار آن صدر الصدور ** لا صلاة تم الا بالحضور
If there is no thievish mouse in our barn, where is the corn of forty years' works (of devotion)?
گر نه موشی دزد در انبار ماست ** گندم اعمال چل ساله کجاست
Why is the daily sincerity (of our devotions) not being stored, bit by bit, in this barn of ours?
ریزه ریزه صدق هر روزه چرا ** جمع می‌‌ناید در این انبار ما
Many a star (spark) of fire shot forth from the iron (of good works), and that burning heart received (it) and drew (it) in;
بس ستاره‌‌ی آتش از آهن جهید ** و ان دل سوزیده پذرفت و کشید
But in the darkness a hidden thief is laying his finger upon the stars,385
لیک در ظلمت یکی دزدی نهان ** می‌‌نهد انگشت بر استارگان
Extinguishing the stars one by one, that no lamp may shine from the (spiritual) sky.
می‌‌کشد استارگان را یک به یک ** تا که نفروزد چراغی از فلک
Though there be thousands of snares at our feet, when Thou art with us there is not any trouble.
گر هزاران دام باشد در قدم ** چون تو با مایی نباشد هیچ غم