Rumi's Masnavi - In their folly they smote each other with their fists: they were full of ignorance and empty of knowledge.

In their folly they smote each other with their fists: they were full of ignorance and empty of knowledge.

مشت بر هم می‏زدند از ابلهی ** پر بدند از جهل و از دانش تهی‏

If a master of the esoteric had been there, a revered and many-languaged man, he would have pacified them;

صاحب سری عزیزی صد زبان ** گر بدی آن جا بدادی صلح‏شان‏

And then he would have said, “With this one dirhem I will give all of you what ye wish.

پس بگفتی او که من زین یک درم ** آرزوی جمله‏تان را می‏خرم‏

When without deceit ye surrender your hearts (to me), this dirhem will do all this for you.

چون که بسپارید دل را بی‏دغل ** این درمتان می‏کند چندین عمل‏

Your one dirhem will become four—the result desired: four enemies will become one through unanimity. 3690

یک درمتان می‏شود چار المراد ** چار دشمن می‏شود یک ز اتحاد

What each one of you says produces strife and separation; what I say brings you agreement.

گفت هر یک تان دهد جنگ و فراق ** گفت من آرد شما را اتفاق‏

Therefore be ye mute, keep silence, that I may be your tongue in speech and talk.”

پس شما خاموش باشید أنصتوا ** تا زبان تان من شوم در گفت‏وگو

(Even) if your words appear uniform (seem to express an agreement), in effect they are the source of contention and anger.

گر سخنتان می‏نماید یک نمط ** در اثر مایه‏ی نزاع است و سخط

Borrowed (accidental) heat produces no (essential) effect; natural heat hath (its own) effect.

گرمی عاریتی ندهد اثر ** گرمی خاصیتی دارد هنر

If you have made vinegar hot by means of fire, (still) when you drink it, it will undoubtedly increase the coldness (of your constitution), 3695

سرکه را گر گرم کردی ز آتش آن ** چون خوری سردی فزاید بی‏گمان‏