At the time of washing the tablet (of the heart) one must recognise that it will be made into a book (of mysteries).
وقت شستن لوح را باید شناخت ** که مر آن را دفتری خواهند ساخت
When they lay the foundation of a house (to rebuild it), they dig up the first foundation.1830
چون اساس خانهای میافگنند ** اولین بنیاد را بر میکنند
(Also), people first fetch up clay from the depths of the earth in order that at last you may draw up flowing water.
گل بر آرند اول از قعر زمین ** تا به آخر بر کشی ماء معین
Children weep piteously at cupping, for they know not the secret of the matter;
از حجامت کودکان گریند زار ** که نمیدانند ایشان سر کار
(But) a man, in sooth, gives the cupper gold and fondles the blood-drinking lancet.
مرد خود زر میدهد حجام را ** مینوازد نیش خون آشام را
The porter runs to the heavy load: he snatches the load from others.
میدود حمال زی بار گران ** میرباید بار را از دیگران
Behold the struggle of the porters for the load! Such is the endeavour of him that sees (the truth of) things,1835
جنگ حمالان برای بار بین ** این چنین است اجتهاد کار بین
Inasmuch as burdens are the foundation of ease, and bitter things, too, are the forerunners of enjoyment.
چون گرانیها اساس راحت است ** تلخها هم پیشوای نعمت است
Paradise is compassed about with the things we dislike (to do); the fires (of Hell) are compassed about with our lusts.
حفت الجنة بمکروهاتنا ** حفت النیران من شهواتنا
The seed (source) of the substance of your fire (of torment) is the fresh bough (of lust); (but) he that is burned by the fire (of renunciation) is the comrade of Kawthar.
تخم مایهی آتشت شاخ تر است ** سوختهی آتش قرین کوثر است