Rumi's Masnavi - He (the poltroon) comes armed into the battle-line, like a man: they (the soldiers) put their trust in him, saying, “Here's the Comrade of the Cave.”

He (the poltroon) comes armed into the battle-line, like a man: they (the soldiers) put their trust in him, saying, “Here's the Comrade of the Cave.” 2845

در صف آید با سلاح او مردوار ** دل بر او بنهند کاینک یار غار

He turns his face (in flight) when he sees wounds: his going breaks your back.

رو بگرداند چو بیند زخمها ** رفتن او بشکند پشت ترا

This (topic) is long and is expanding, and that which is aimed at is becoming hidden (from sight).

این دراز است و فراوان می‏شود ** و آن چه مقصود است پنهان می‏شود

How the Hypocrites cajoled the Prophet—God bless and save him!—that they might take him to the Mosque of Opposition.

فریفتن منافقان پیغامبر را تا به مسجد ضرارش برند

They chanted spells over (spoke deceitful words to) the Messenger of God: they were driving (hard) the steed of cunning and craft.

بر رسول حق فسون‏ها خواندند ** رخش دستان و حیل می‏راندند

The kind and compassionate Messenger proffered (in reply) nothing but smiles, nothing but “Yes.”

آن رسول مهربان رحم کیش ** جز تبسم جز بلی ناورد پیش‏

He expressed (his) thanks to that company (deputation): he gladdened the envoys in (by) assent. 2850

شکرهای آن جماعت یاد کرد ** در اجابت قاصدان را شاد کرد

Their deceit was apparent to him, point by point, in the same way as hairs in milk.

می‏نمود آن مکر ایشان پیش او ** یک به یک ز آن سان که اندر شیر مو

That courteous one feigned not to see the hairs: that polite one said “Bravo!” to the milk.

موی را نادیده می‏کرد آن لطیف ** شیر را شاباش می‏گفت آن ظریف‏

Myriad hairs of deceit and fraud (he beheld), and at that time he closed his eyes to it all.

صد هزاران موی مکر و دمدمه ** چشم خوابانید آن دم ز ان همه‏

That ocean of bounty spoke truly (when he said), “I am kinder unto you than you (yourselves are).

راست می‏فرمود آن بحر کرم ** بر شما من از شما مشفق‏ترم‏