Rumi's Masnavi - I had not permission to speak of the cause, and I had not power to abandon you.

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

The valiant (holy) men are a help in the world when the wail of the oppressed reaches (them).

شیر مردانند در عالم مدد ** آن زمان کافغان مظلومان رسد

From every quarter they hear the cry of the oppressed and run in that direction, like the mercy of God.

بانگ مظلومان ز هر جا بشنوند ** آن طرف چون رحمت حق می‏دوند