Luqmán's master (was) like a master outwardly; in reality he was a slave, and Luqmán was his master.
خواجهی لقمان به ظاهر خواجهوش ** در حقیقت بنده، لقمان خواجهاش
In the topsy-turvy world there is many a one of this (kind): a pearl is less than a straw in their sight.
در جهان باژگونه زین بسی است ** در نظرشان گوهری کم از خسی است
Every desert has been named mafáza (place of safety): a name and specious form has ensnared their understanding.
مر بیابان را مفازه نام شد ** نام و رنگی عقلشان را دام شد
In the case of one class of people, the dress makes (a man) known: (if he is dressed) in a qabá, they say that he belongs to the vulgar.
یک گره را خود معرف جامه است ** در قبا گویند کاو از عامه است
In the case of one class of people (the distinguishing mark is) the hypocritical appearance of asceticism; (but) light is needed, that (any one) may be a spy on asceticism (and detect its true character).1475
یک گره را ظاهر سالوس زهد ** نور باید تا بود جاسوس زهد
Light is needed, (a light) purged of cant and noxiousness, that he may know a man without (the evidence of) deed or word,
نور باید پاک از تقلید و غول ** تا شناسد مرد را بیفعل و قول
And enter into his heart by way of the intellect, and behold his real state and not be confined to tradition.
در رود در قلب او از راه عقل ** نقد او بیند نباشد بند نقل
The chosen servants of (God) the Knower of things unseen are, in the spiritual world, the spies on hearts.
بندگان خاص علام الغیوب ** در جهان جان جواسیس القلوب
He (such a one) enters within the heart like a fancy: the mystery of the (real) state is unveiled to him.
در درون دل در آید چون خیال ** پیش او مکشوف باشد سر حال
In the body of the sparrow what power and faculty is there that is hidden from the intellect of the falcon?1480
در تن گنجشک چه بود برگ و ساز ** که شود پوشیده آن بر عقل باز