Rumi's Masnavi - He (that spirit) knows the scent of the wine because he drank it (before); when he has not drunk it, how can he scent it?

He (that spirit) knows the scent of the wine because he drank it (before); when he has not drunk it, how can he scent it?

او شناسد بوی می کاو می بخورد ** چون نخورد او می چه داند بوی کرد

For Wisdom is like a stray camel: like a go-between, it guides (those who find and recognise it) to (the presence of) kings.

ز انکه حکمت همچو ناقه‏ی ضاله است ** همچو دلاله شهان را داله است‏

You behold in dream a person of pleasing countenance, who gives you a promise and a sign 1670

تو ببینی خواب در یک خوش لقا ** کاو دهد وعده و نشانی مر ترا

That your desire will come to pass; here is the sign—such and such a person will meet you to-morrow.

که مراد تو شود اینک نشان ** که بپیش آید ترا فردا فلان‏

One sign is that he will be riding; one sign is that he will clasp you to his breast;

یک نشانی آن که او باشد سوار ** یک نشانی که ترا گیرد کنار

One sign is that he will smile before you; one sign is that he will fold his hands in your presence;

یک نشانی که بخندد پیش تو ** یک نشان که دست بندد پیش تو

One sign is that when the morrow comes you will not tell this dream to any one, though you would fain do so.

یک نشانی آن که این خواب از هوس ** چون شود فردا نگویی پیش کس‏

Concerning that (last-mentioned) sign, He (God) said to Zakariyyá (Zacharias), “Thou shalt not begin to speak at all till three days (have passed). 1675

ز ان نشان با والد یحیی بگفت ** که نیایی تا سه روز اصلا به گفت‏

For three nights keep silence as to thy good and ill: this will be the sign that Yahyá will come (be born) to thee.

تا سه شب خامش کن از نیک و بدت ** این نشان باشد که یحیی آیدت‏

During three days do not breathe a word, for this silence is the sign of (the fulfilment) of thy purpose.

دم مزن سه روز اندر گفت‏وگو ** کاین سکوت است آیت مقصود تو