The thief, that is, the earth, says, “Nothing, nothing!” The Governor (then) puts it to the torture.
دزد یعنی خاک گوید هیچ هیچ ** شحنه او را در کشد در پیچ پیچ
Sometimes the Governor speaks to it with kindness (sweet) as sugar; sometimes he hangs it up (in the air), and does his worst,
شحنه گاهش لطف گوید چون شکر ** گه بر آویزد کند هر چه بتر
In order that, between force and favour, those concealed things may be brought to sight through the fire of fear and hope.
تا میان قهر و لطف آن خفیهها ** ظاهر آید ز آتش خوف و رجا
Spring is the kindness of the Almighty Governor, and Autumn is God's menace and intimidation,
آن بهاران لطف شحنهی کبریاست ** و آن خزان تخویف و تهدید خداست
And Winter is the allegorical crucifixion, to the end that thou, O hidden thief, mayst be exposed.2960
و آن زمستان چار میخ معنوی ** تا تو ای دزد خفی ظاهر شوی
Then (again), he that wages the (spiritual) warfare has at one time (joyous) expansion of heart, at another time (grievous) oppression and pain and torment,
پس مجاهد را زمانی بسط دل ** یک زمانی قبض و درد و غش و غل
Because this water and clay, which is (the stuff of) our bodies, is the denier (enemy) and thief of the light of (our) souls.
ز انکه این آب و گلی کابدان ماست ** منکر و دزد و ضیای جان ماست
The High God lays upon our body, O man of fortitude, heat and cold and grief and pain,
حق تعالی گرم و سرد و رنج و درد ** بر تن ما مینهد ای شیر مرد
Fear and hunger and impairment of wealth and body—all for the sake of the soul's coin being brought into sight (and use).
خوف و جوع و نقص اموال و بدن ** جمله بهر نقد جان ظاهر شدن
These threats and promises He hath sent forth on account of this good and evil which He hath mingled.2965
این وعید و وعدهها انگیخته ست ** بهر این نیک و بدی کامیخته ست