Know that all (that) is (like) the enchantments of the magicians; know that Death is (like) the rod (of Moses) which became a dragon.
سحرهای ساحران دان جمله را ** مرگ چوبی دان که آن گشت اژدها
It made one mouthful of all (their) sorceries. There was a world filled with night: the dawn devoured it.
جادویها را همه یک لقمه کرد ** یک جهان پر شب بد آن را صبح خورد
The light is not made greater and more by that (act of) devouring; nay, it is just the same as it has (always) been before.
نور از آن خوردن نشد افزون و بیش ** بل همان سانست کو بودست پیش
It is increased in respect of the effect (which it has produced), but not in respect of its essence: the essence hath (suffers) no increase or diminution.1665
در اثر افزون شد و در ذات نی ** ذات را افزونی و آفات نی
God was not increased by (His) bringing the world into existence: that which He was not formerly He has not become now;
حق ز ایجاد جهان افزون نشد ** آنچ اول آن نبود اکنون نشد
But the effect (phenomenal being) was increased by (His) bringing created things into existence: there is (a great) difference between these two increases.
لیک افزون گشت اثر ز ایجاد خلق ** در میان این دو افزونیست فرق
The increase of the effect is His manifestation, in order that His attributes and action may be made visible.
هست افزونی اثر اظهار او ** تا پدید آید صفات و کار او
The increase of any (so-called) essence is a proof that it (the essence) is originated and subject to causes.
هست افزونی هر ذاتی دلیل ** کو بود حادث به علتها علیل
Commentary on "Moses conceived a fear in his heart: We said, ‘Fear not, verily thou wilt be the superior.’"
تفسیر اوجس فی نفسه خیفة موسی قلنا لا تخف انک انت الا علی
Moses said, “Magic too is a bewildering thing: how shall I act?—for this people have no discernment.”1670
گفت موسی سحر هم حیران‌کنیست ** چون کنم کین خلق را تمییز نیست
God said, “I will produce discernment, I will make the undiscerning mind able to perceive (the truth).
گفت حق تمییز را پیدا کنم ** عقل بی‌تمییز را بینا کنم