Rumi's Masnavi - “(If I had told you about the snake), you would not have been able to eat, nor would you have been capable of vomiting or cared (to do so).

“(If I had told you about the snake), you would not have been able to eat, nor would you have been capable of vomiting or cared (to do so).

مر ترا نه قوت خوردن بدی ** نه ره و پروای قی کردن بدی‏

I heard (your) abuse and went on with my work; I kept repeating under my lip (breath), ‘O Lord, make (it) easy!’

می‏شنیدم فحش و خر می‏راندم ** رب یسر زیر لب می‏خواندم‏

I had not permission to speak of the cause, and I had not power to abandon you. 1925

از سبب گفتن مرا دستور نه ** ترک تو گفتن مرا مقدور نه‏

From the grief in my heart I was saying continually, ‘Guide my people; verily, they know not’.”

هر زمان می‏گفتم از درد درون ** اهد قومی إنهم لا یعلمون‏

The man that had been delivered from woe was falling on his knees and saying, “O (thou who art) my bliss, O my fortune and treasure,

سجده‏ها می‏کرد آن رسته ز رنج ** کای سعادت ای مرا اقبال و گنج‏

Thou wilt get rewards from God, O noble one; this weakling has not the power to thank thee.

از خدا یابی جزاها ای شریف ** قوت شکرت ندارد این ضعیف‏

God will say thanks to thee, O leader; I have not the lips and the chin and the voice for that.”

شکر حق گوید ترا ای پیشوا ** آن لب و چانه ندارم و آن نوا

Of this fashion is the enmity of the wise: their poison is gladness to the soul. 1930

دشمنی عاقلان زین‏سان بود ** زهر ایشان ابتهاج جان بود

The friendship of the fool is woe and perdition: hear this tale as a parable.

دوستی ابله بود رنج و ضلال ** این حکایت بشنو از بهر مثال‏

On putting trust in the fawningness and good faith of the bear.

اعتماد کردن بر تملق و وفای خرس‏

A dragon was pulling a bear (into its jaws); a valiant man went and succoured it.

اژدهایی خرس را در می‏کشید ** شیر مردی رفت و فریادش رسید