If indeed I had had the power to walk, I should have gone to my house—and (then) how would this (affair between us) have occurred?
گر مرا خود قوت رفتن بدی ** خانهی خود رفتمی وین کی شدی
Were I (still) possessed of understanding and of contingent (unreal) existence, I should be on the bench, (giving instruction) like the Shaykhs.”
من اگر با عقل و با امکانمی ** همچو شیخان بر سر دکانمی
How the inquirer, for the second time, drew that eminent (saint) into conversation, in order that his condition might be made better known (to the inquirer).
دوم بار در سخن کشیدن سایل آن بزرگ را تا حال او معلوم تر گردد
That seeker said, “O thou mounted on the cane, pray, ride thy horse this way for one moment.”2400
گفت آن طالب که آخر یک نفس ** ای سواره بر نی این سو ران فرس
He rode towards him, crying, “Hark, say as quick as you can (what you want), for my horse is very restive and fierce-tempered.
راند سوی او که هین زوتر بگو ** کاسب من بس توسن است و تند خو
Be quick, lest he kick you: explain clearly what you are asking about.”
تا لگد بر تو نکوبد زود باش ** از چه میپرسی بیانش کن تو فاش
He (the inquirer) saw no opportunity to tell his heart's secret: he at once made an evasion and drew him into jesting talk.
او مجال راز دل گفتن ندید ** زو برون شو کرد و در لاغش کشید
He said, “I wish to marry a woman in this street: who is suitable for one like me?”
گفت میخواهم در این کوچه زنی ** کیست لایق از برای چون منی
“There are three kinds of women in the world,” said he: “two of those are a sorrow, and one is the soul's treasure.2405
گفت سه گونه زناند اندر جهان ** آن دو رنج و این یکی گنج روان
The first, when you marry her, is wholly yours; and the second is half yours and half separate (from you);
آن یکی را چون بخواهی کل تراست ** و آن دگر نیمی ترا نیمی جداست
And the third, know she is not yours at all. You have heard this. Away (with you)!—I start in a trice—
و آن سوم هیچ او ترا نبود بدان ** این شنودی دور شو رفتم روان