Rumi's Masnavi - Whilst it remains in the sheath, it is (apparently) valuable, (but) when it has come forth it is an implement (only fit) for burning.

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

Oh, blessed is its laughter, for through its mouth it shows the heart, like a pearl from the casket of the spirit.

ای مبارک خنده‌‌اش کاو از دهان ** می‌‌نماید دل چو در از درج جان‌‌

Unblest was the laughter (openness) of the red anemone, from whose mouth appeared the blackness of its heart. 720

نامبارک خنده‌‌ی آن لاله بود ** کز دهان او سیاهی دل نمود

The laughing pomegranate makes the garden laughing (gay and blooming): companionship with (holy) men makes you one of the (holy) men.

نار خندان باغ را خندان کند ** صحبت مردانت از مردان کند

Though you be rock or marble, you will become a jewel when you reach the man of heart (the saint).

گر تو سنگ صخره و مرمر شوی ** چون به صاحب دل رسی گوهر شوی‌‌