Truth is the Night of Power (which is) hidden amidst the (other) nights in order that the soul may make trial of every night.2935
حق شب قدر است در شبها نهان ** تا کند جان هر شبی را امتحان
Not all nights are (the Night of) Power, O youth, nor are all nights void of that (Night).
نه همه شبها بود قدر ای جوان ** نه همه شبها بود خالی از آن
Amongst the wearers of the dervish-cloak there is one (true) dervish: make trial, and accept him that is true.
در میان دلق پوشان یک فقیر ** امتحان کن و آن که حق است آن بگیر
Where is the sagacious and discerning believer, that he may distinguish effeminate wretches from men?
مومن کیس ممیز کو که تا ** باز داند هیزکان را از فتی
If there be no faulty things in the world, all fools would be (shrewd) merchants.
گر نه معیوبات باشد در جهان ** تاجران باشند جمله ابلهان
Then it would be very easy to know (the value of) goods: when there is no defect, what (is the difference between) the incompetent and the competent (appraiser)?2940
پس بود کالا شناسی سخت سهل ** چون که عیبی نیست چه نااهل و اهل
And if everything is faulty, knowledge is of no advantage: since everything here is (common) wood, aloes-wood is not (to be found).
ور همه عیب است دانش سود نیست ** چون همه چوب است اینجا عود نیست
He that says, “All are true”—’tis folly (on his part); and he that says, “All are false”—he is damned.
آن که گوید جمله حقند احمقی است ** و انکه گوید جمله باطل او شقی است
Those who trade with the prophets have gained (thereby); those who trade with colour and scent (worldly vanities) are blind and blue (miserable).
تاجران انبیا کردند سود ** تاجران رنگ و بو کور و کبود
The snake (már) appears in the eye as riches (mál): rub both your eyes well!
مینماید مار اندر چشم مال ** هر دو چشم خویش را نیکو بمال