When it makes (the sound) chak chak, say you to it, “Death and woe (to thee),” in order that this hell, (which is) your fleshly soul, may become cold (quenched),
چون کند چک چک تو گویش مرگ و درد ** تا شود این دوزخ نفس تو سرد
So that it may not burn your rose-garden, so that it may not burn your justice and well doing.
تا نسوزد او گلستان تو را ** تا نسوزد عدل و احسان تو را
After that, anything that you sow will yield fruit (or flowers); it will yield anemones and wild roses and thyme.1260
بعد از آن چیزی که کاری بردهد ** لاله و نسرین و سیسنبردهد
Once more we are going wide of the straight way: turn back, O master—where is our way?
باز پهنا میرویم از راه راست ** باز گرد ای خواجه راه ما کجاست
We were (engaged) in showing, O envious one, that your ass is lame and the place of alighting (journey's end) far off, (so you must be) quick.
اندر آن تقریر بودیم ای حسود ** که خرت لنگ است و منزل دور زود
The year has turned late; it is not sowing-time, (and you have produced) nothing except black shame and foul deeds.
سال بیگه گشت وقت کشت نی ** جز سیه رویی و فعل زشت نی
The worm has entered the root of the body's tree: it must be dug up and put in the fire.
کرم در بیخ درخت تن فتاد ** بایدش بر کند و در آتش نهاد
Hark and hark (again), O wayfarer! ’Tis late, life's sun is gone towards the pit (is about to set).1265
هین و هین ای راه رو بیگاه شد ** آفتاب عمر سوی چاه شد
(During) these (one or) two brief days when you have (some) strength, (be) quick, devote the old man (your old age) generously (to serving God).
این دو روزک را که زورت هست زود ** پیر افشانی بکن از راه جود
Devote this (small) amount of seed that you have remaining, in order that long life may grow from these (one or) two moments.
این قدر تخمی که مانده ستت بباز ** تا بروید زین دو دم عمر دراز