- “Why,” he asked, “did you load this sand?” “In order that the other sack might not remain alone,” he replied.
- گفت تو چون بار کردی این رمال ** گفت تا تنها نماند آن جوال
- “For wisdom's sake,” said he, “pour half the wheat of that pannier into the other,
- گفت نیم گندم آن تنگ را ** در دگر ریز از پی فرهنگ را
- So that the sacks may be lightened, and the camel too.” He (the Arab) cried, “Bravo! O clever and noble sage!
- تا سبک گردد جوال و هم شتر ** گفت شاباش ای حکیم اهل و حر
- Such subtle thought and excellent judgement! And you so naked, (journeying) on foot and in fatigue!”
- این چنین فکر دقیق و رای خوب ** تو چنین عریان پیاده در لغوب
- The good man took pity on the philosopher and resolved to mount him on the camel. 3185
- رحمتش آمد بر حکیم و عزم کرد ** کش بر اشتر بر نشاند نیک مرد
- He said to him again, “O fair-spoken sage, explain a little about your own circumstances as well.
- باز گفتش ای حکیم خوش سخن ** شمهای از حال خود هم شرح کن
- (With) such intelligence and talent as you have, are you a vizier or a king? Tell the truth.”
- این چنین عقل و کفایت که تراست ** تو وزیری یا شهی بر گوی راست
- He answered, “I am not (either of) these two: I am of the common folk. Look at my appearance and dress.”
- گفت این هر دو نیم از عامهام ** بنگر اندر حال و اندر جامهام
- He asked, “How many camels have you? How many oxen?” “I have neither these nor those,” he replied: “do not dig at me.”
- گفت اشتر چند داری چند گاو ** گفت نه این و نه آن ما را مکاو
- He said, “At any rate, what goods have you in your shop?” He answered, “Where have I a shop, and where a dwelling-place?” 3190
- گفت رختت چیست باری در دکان ** گفت ما را کو دکان و کو مکان