What is evil? The needy, despicable copper. Who is the Shaykh? The infinite elixir.
بد چه باشد مس محتاج مهان ** شیخ که بود کیمیای بیکران
If the copper was incapable (of being transmuted) by the elixir, (yet) the elixir was never turned into copper by the copper.
مس اگر از کیمیا قابل نبد ** کیمیا از مس هرگز مس نشد
What is evil? A rebel that works like fire. Who is the Shaykh? The very Seal of Eternity.3345
بد چه باشد سرکشی آتش عمل ** شیخ که بود عین دریای ازل
Fire is always terrified by water. When was water ever afraid of being set aflame?
دایم آتش را بترسانند از آب ** آب کی ترسید هرگز ز التهاب
You are observing defects on the face of the moon: you are picking thorns in a Paradise.
در رخ مه عیب بینی میکنی ** در بهشتی خارچینی میکنی
Picker of thorns, if you go into Paradise, you will find there no thorn but yourself.
گر بهشت اندر روی تو خار جو ** هیچ خار آن جا نیابی غیر تو
You are covering a sun with a sod: you are seeking flaws in a perfect full-moon.
میبپوشی آفتابی در گلی ** رخنه میجویی ز بدر کاملی
A sun which shines throughout the world––how shall it be hidden for the sake of a bat?3350
آفتابی که بتابد در جهان ** بهر خفاشی کجا گردد نهان
Sins are made sinful by the disapproval of Pírs; mysteries are made mysterious by their jealousy.
عیبها از رد پیران عیب شد ** غیبها از رشک ایشان غیب شد
If you are far (aloof in spirit from the saints), at any rate be joined (with them) through (paying) respect (to them): be alert and active in (showing) penitence,
باری از دوری ز خدمت یار باش ** در ندامت چابک و بر کار باش