Rumi's Masnavi - You know not where the camel is, but you know that these clues are wrong.

You know not where the camel is, but you know that these clues are wrong.

تو نمی‏دانی که آن اشتر کجاست ** لیک دانی کاین نشانیها خطاست‏

And he that has not lost a camel—he (too) in contention seeks a camel, just like him who has (really) lost it, 2975

و انکه اشتر گم نکرد او از مری ** همچو آن گم کرده جوید اشتری‏

Saying, “Yes; I too have lost a camel: I have brought a reward for any one who may find it.”

که بلی من هم شتر گم کرده‏ام ** هر که یابد اجرتش آورده‏ام‏

(He says this) that he may take a partner's share with you in the camel: he plays this trick because of coveting the camel.

تا در اشتر با تو انبازی کند ** بهر طمع اشتر این بازی کند

If you say to any one, “That clue was false,” he (the pretender), in imitation of you, says the same.

هر چه را گویی خطا بود آن نشان ** او به تقلید تو می‏گوید همان‏

He does not know wrong clues from right, but your words are a cue to that imitator.

او نشان کژ بنشناسد ز راست ** لیک گفتت آن مقلد را عصاست‏

When they mention right and likely clues, then comes to you the certainty in which there is no doubt. 2980

چون نشان راست گویند و شبیه ** پس یقین گردد ترا لا ریب فیه‏

That (clue) becomes balm to your sick soul; it becomes (brings) colour to your face and health and strength to you.

آن شفای جان رنجورت شود ** رنگ روی و صحت و زورت شود

Your eye becomes bright, your foot nimble; your body becomes (the vital) soul, and your (vital) soul (the rational) spirit.

چشم تو روشن شود پایت دوان ** جسم تو جان گردد و جانت روان‏

Then you will say, “O trusted (friend), you have spoken the truth: these clues are a clear deliverance (communication and message).

پس بگویی راست گفتی ای امین ** این نشانیها بلاغ آمد مبین‏