He who bestows on thee, (whilst thou art) at war, such an empire as this— consider how (bounteously) He will lay the table for thee (when thou art) at peace.
آنک در جنگت چنان ملکی دهد ** بنگر اندر صلح خوانت چون نهد
That (Divine) bounty which gave thee those (goodly) things in thy unrighteousness—consider what will be (its) care (for thee) in thy faithfulness.”
آن کرم که اندر جفا آنهات داد ** در وفا بنگر چه باشد افتقاد
“O Moses,” said he, “what is the fourth (promise)? Quickly declare (it): my patience is gone and my desire has waxed great.”
گفت ای موسی چهارم چیست زود ** بازگو صبرم شد و حرصم فزود
He said, “The fourth is that thou wilt remain (ever) young, (with) hair (black) like pitch and cheeks (pink) like the arghawán (flower of the Judas-tree).
گفت چارم آنک مانی تو جوان ** موی هم‌چون قیر و رخ چون ارغوان
To us (prophets) colour and perfume are very worthless, but thou art low, (so) we have made our words low.2575
رنگ و بو در پیش ما بس کاسدست ** لیک تو پستی سخن کردیم پست
Boasting of colour and perfume and dwelling-place is a joy and deception (only) to children.
افتخار از رنگ و بو و از مکان ** هست شادی و فریب کودکان
[Explanation of the Tradition, "Speak ye unto men according to the measure of their understandings, not according to the measure of your understandings, so that God and His messenger may not be given the lie."]
بیان این خبر کی کلموا الناس علی قدر عقولهم لا علی قدر عقولکم حتی لا یکذبوا الله و رسوله
Since my business happens to be with a child, I must accordingly speak the language suited to children,
چونک با کودک سر و کارم فتاد ** هم زبان کودکان باید گشاد
Saying, ‘Go to school, that I may buy a bird for thee or bring (home) raisins and walnuts and pistachio nuts.’
که برو کتاب تا مرغت خرم ** یا مویز و جوز و فستق آورم
Thou knowest only the youth of the body: take this youthfulness: take the barley, O ass!
جز شباب تن نمی‌دانی به کیر ** این جوانی را بگیر ای خر شعیر
No wrinkle will fall upon thy face: thy fortunate youthfulness will remain fresh.2580