Rumi's Masnavi - For the true believers I become a bridge across the sea; for Pharaoh, again, I become a dragon.”

For the true believers I become a bridge across the sea; for Pharaoh, again, I become a dragon.” 1070

بر مسلمانان پل دریا شوم ** باز بر فرعون اژدها شوم

O son, do not regard this staff alone, for the staff would not be like this without the hand of God.

این عصا را ای پسر تنها مبین ** که عصا بی‌کف حق نبود چنین

The waves of the Flood too were a staff which, from being aggrieved, devoured the pomp of the votaries of magic.

موج طوفان هم عصا بد کو ز درد ** طنطنه‌ی جادوپرستان را بخورد

If I should enumerate the staves of God, I should tear to pieces (expose and confound) the hypocrisy of these followers of Pharaoh;

گر عصاهای خدا را بشمرم ** زرق این فرعونیان را بر درم

But leave them to browse on this sweet poisonous grass for a few days.

لیک زین شیرین گیای زهرمند ** ترک کن تا چند روزی می‌چرند

If there be not the power and dominion of Pharaoh, whence shall Hell obtain nutriment? 1075

گر نباشد جاه فرعون و سری ** از کجا یابد جهنم پروری

Fatten him, then kill him, O Butcher; for the dogs in Hell are without food.

فربهش کن آنگهش کش ای قصاب ** زانک بی‌برگ‌اند در دوزخ کلاب

If there were no adversary and enemy in the world, then the anger in men would die.

گر نبودی خصم و دشمن در جهان ** پس بمردی خشم اندر مردمان

That anger is Hell: it needs an adversary that it may live; else Mercy would kill it.

دوزخ آن خشمست خصمی بایدش ** تا زید ور نی رحیمی بکشدش

Then clemency would remain without any vengeance or evil: then how would the perfection of Kingship be (manifested)?

پس بماندی لطف بی‌قهر و بدی ** پس کمال پادشاهی کی بدی