That which has reality is made manifest (after death), and that which is rotten is put to shame.
آن چه با معنی است خود پیدا شود ** و آن چه پوسیده ست او رسوا شود
Go, strive after reality, O worshipper of form, inasmuch as reality is the wing on form's body.710
رو به معنی کوش ای صورت پرست ** ز آن که معنی بر تن صورت پر است
Consort with the followers of reality, that you may both win the gift and be generous (in giving yourself up to God).
همنشین اهل معنی باش تا ** هم عطا یابی و هم باشی فتا
Beyond dispute, in this body the spirit devoid of reality is even as a wooden sword in the sheath:
جان بی‌‌معنی در این تن بی‌‌خلاف ** هست همچون تیغ چوبین در غلاف
Whilst it remains in the sheath, it is (apparently) valuable, (but) when it has come forth it is an implement (only fit) for burning.
تا غلاف اندر بود با قیمت است ** چون برون شد سوختن را آلت است
Do not take a wooden sword into the battle! First see (whether your sword is a real one), in order that your plight may not be wretched.
تیغ چوبین را مبر در کارزار ** بنگر اول تا نگردد کار زار
If it is made of wood, go, seek another; and if it is adamant, march forward joyously.715
گر بود چوبین برو دیگر طلب ** ور بود الماس پیش آ با طرب
The sword (of reality) is in the armoury of the saints: to see (and associate with) them is for you (as precious as) the Elixir.
تیغ در زرادخانه‌‌ی اولیاست ** دیدن ایشان شما را کیمیاست
All the wise have said this same thing: the wise man is a (Divine) mercy to created beings.
جمله دانایان همین گفته همین ** هست دانا رحمة للعالمین
If you would buy a pomegranate, buy (it when it is) laughing (having its rind cleft open), so that its laughter (openness) may give information as to its seeds.
گر اناری می‌‌خری خندان بخر ** تا دهد خنده ز دانه‌‌ی او خبر