Rumi's Masnavi - When squinting has been put aside (so that they see correctly), they become alike: the assertors of two or three become assertors of Unity.

When squinting has been put aside (so that they see correctly), they become alike: the assertors of two or three become assertors of Unity.

احولی چون دفع شد یکسان شوند ** دو سه گویان هم یکی گویان شوند

If you are a ball in His polo-field, keep spinning round from (the blows of) His polo-stick.

گر یکی گویی تو در میدان او ** گرد بر می‏گرد از چوگان او

The ball becomes right and flawless (only) at the time when it is made to dance by the stroke of the King's hand.

گوی آن گه راست و بی‏نقصان شود ** که ز زخم دست شه رقصان شود

Give ear heedfully to these (sayings), O squinting one: apply the eye-salve by way of the ear. 315

گوش دار ای احول اینها را به هوش ** داروی دیده بکش از راه گوش‏

Holy words, then, do not abide in blind hearts, (but) go to the Light whence they came,

پس کلام پاک در دلهای کور ** می‏نپاید می‏رود تا اصل نور

While the (guileful) spell of the Devil goes into crooked (perverse) hearts as a crooked shoe on to a crooked foot.

و آن فسون دیو در دلهای کژ ** می‏رود چون کفش کژ در پای کژ

Though you may learn Wisdom by rote, it becomes quit of you when you are unworthy (to receive it);

گر چه حکمت را به تکرار آوری ** چون تو نااهلی شود از تو بری‏

And though you write it and note it (down), and though you brag (about it) and expound it,

ور چه بنویسی نشانش می‏کنی ** ور چه می‏لافی بیانش می‏کنی‏

It withdraws its face from you, O disputatious one: it snaps its bonds and (takes) flight from you. 320

او ز تو رو در کشد ای پر ستیز ** بندها را بگسلد وز تو گریز

(But) if you read not and it sees your ardour (of love), Knowledge will be a bird docile (and obedient) to your hand.

ور نخوانی و ببیند سوز تو ** علم باشد مرغ دست‏آموز تو