Since the blind imitator recognises nothing but (an external) proof, he continually seeks the way (to the truth) in the (out ward) sign.
آن مقلد چون نداند جز دلیل ** در علامت جوید او دایم سبیل
For his sake we have said, ‘When you wish to plan (anything), choose an elder (to advise you).’
بهر او گفتیم که تدبیر را ** چونک خواهی کرد بگزین پیر را
He who has escaped from the purdah of blind imitation sees by the light of God that which (really) is.
آنک او از پرده‌ی تقلید جست ** او به نور حق ببیند آنچ هست
Without proof and without exposition the pure Light cleaves its (the object’s) skin and enters into the middle (the core).2170
نور پاکش بی‌دلیل و بی‌بیان ** پوست بشکافد در آید در میان
To one who regards (only) the appearance, what is (the difference between) the adulterated and genuine coin? How should he know what is in the date-basket?
پیش ظاهربین چه قلب و چه سره ** او چه داند چیست اندر قوصره
Oh, there is much gold made black with smoke, that it may be saved from (falling into) the hands of every envious thief.
ای بسا زر سیه کرده بدود ** تا رهد از دست هر دزدی حسود
Oh, there is much copper gilded with gold, that he (the counterfeiter) may sell it to (those of) small understanding.
ای بسا مس زر اندوده به زر ** تا فروشد آن به عقل مختصر
We, who see the inward (reality) of the whole world, see the heart and look not on the outward form.”
ما که باطن‌بین جمله‌ی کشوریم ** دل ببینیم و به ظاهر ننگریم
The cadis who are concerned with the outward form (the letter of the law) give judgement according to outward appearances.2175
قاضیانی که به ظاهر می‌تنند ** حکم بر اشکال ظاهر می‌کنند
When he (the suspected person) has uttered the profession of the Faith and has shown some (formal sign of) true belief, at once these people (the cadis) pronounce him a true believer.
چون شهادت گفت و ایمانی نمود ** حکم او مومن کنند این قوم زود