Rumi's Masnavi - Become occupied, therefore, with that which is better, in order that the thief may take away from you something that is less (in worth).

Become occupied, therefore, with that which is better, in order that the thief may take away from you something that is less (in worth).

پس بدان مشغول شو کان بهتر است ** تا ز تو چیزی برد کان بهتر است‏

When the trader's bales fall into the water, he lays his hands upon the better merchandise.

بار بازرگان چو در آب اوفتد ** دست اندر کاله‏ی بهتر زند

Since something will (certainly) be lost in the water, take leave of the less (worse) and gain (possession of) the better.

چون که چیزی فوت خواهد شد در آب ** ترک کمتر گوی و بهتر را بیاب‏

How the excellence and sagacity of Luqmán became manifest to those who made trial (of him).

ظاهر شدن فضل و زیرکی لقمان پیش امتحان کنندگان

Whatever food they brought to him (Luqmán's master), he would send some one to Luqmán after (receiving it), 1510

هر طعامی کاوریدندی به وی ** کس سوی لقمان فرستادی ز پی‏

That Luqmán might put his hand to (partake of) it, on purpose that the master might eat his (Luqmán's) leavings.

تا که لقمان دست سوی آن برد ** قاصدا تا خواجه پس خوردش خورد

He would eat his remnants and be enraptured: any food that he (Luqmán) did not taste, he (the master) would throw away;

سور او خوردی و شور انگیختی ** هر طعامی کاو نخوردی ریختی‏

Or if he ate (of it), (’twould be) without heart and without appetite: this is (the sign of) an affinity without end.

ور بخوردی بی‏دل و بی‏اشتها ** این بود پیوندی بی‏انتها

They had brought a melon as a present. “Go, my son” said he, “and call Luqmán.”

خربزه آورده بودند ارمغان ** گفت رو فرزند لقمان را بخوان‏

When he cut it and gave him a slice, he ate it as if it were sugar and honey. 1515

چون برید و داد او را یک برین ** همچو شکر خوردش و چون انگبین‏

On account of the pleasure with which he ate (it), he gave him a second (slice), (and went on) till the slices (given him) reached the seventeenth.

از خوشی که خورد داد او را دوم ** تا رسید آن گرچها تا هفدهم‏