(For) after he had gone in the ascension to (spiritual) realities, without his (life-giving) springtide the buds (of mystic knowledge) were unburst (in my heart)—
چون به معراج حقایق رفته بود ** بیبهارش غنچهها نشکفته بود
When (I say) he returned from the Sea towards the shore, the lyre of the poesy of the Mathnawí became attuned (again).5
چون ز دریا سوی ساحل باز گشت ** چنگ شعر مثنوی با ساز گشت
The Mathnawí, which was the burnisher (purifier) of spirits —his return was the day of (my) seeking (an auspicious) commencement (for it).
مثنوی که صیقل ارواح بود ** باز گشتش روز استفتاح بود
The date of beginning this gainful (spiritual) traffic was in the year six hundred and sixty-two.
مطلع تاریخ این سودا و سود ** سال اندر ششصد و شصت و دو بود
A nightingale went hence and returned: it became a falcon for hunting these spiritual truths.
بلبلی ز ینجا برفت و باز گشت ** بهر صید این معانی باز گشت
May this falcon's resting-place be the fore-arm of the King! May this gate (to the Truth) be open to (all) the people unto everlasting!
ساعد شه مسکن این باز باد ** تا ابد بر خلق این در باز باد
The bane of this gate is sensuality and lust; else, draught on draught (of spiritual knowledge) is (to be found) here.10
آفت این در هوا و شهوت است ** ور نه اینجا شربت اندر شربت است
Close this mouth that you may see plainly: gullet and mouth are the eye-bandage (which makes you blind) to yonder world.
این دهان بر بند تا بینی عیان ** چشم بند آن جهان حلق و دهان
O mouth, verily thou art the mouth of Hell; and, O world, thou art like the intermediate state.
ای دهان تو خود دهانه‌ای دوزخی ** وی جهان تو بر مثال برزخی
The everlasting light is beside this low world, the pure milk is beside rivers of blood.
نور باقی پهلوی دنیای دون ** شیر صافی پهلوی جوهای خون