For I have no need of means: those means are (only) for the purpose of (serving as) a screen and covering,
که سببها نیست حاجت مر مرا ** آن سبب بهر حجابست و غطا
To the end that the natural philosopher may attach himself to the drug; and that the astronomer may turn his face to the star;
تا طبیعی خویش بر دارو زند ** تا منجم رو با ستاره کند
And that the hypocrite, from greed, may come to market at daybreak for fear of (finding) no demand for his wares,
تا منافق از حریصی بامداد ** سوی بازار آید از بیم کساد
Without having performed his devotions or washed his face (whilst) seeking morsels (for himself) he has become a morsel for Hell.”
بندگی ناکرده و ناشسته روی ** لقمه‌ی دوزخ بگشته لقمه‌جوی
The spirit of the vulgar is devouring and being devoured, like the lamb that feeds on hay.3605
آکل و ماکول آمد جان عام ** هم‌چو آن بره‌ی چرنده از حطام
The lamb is feeding, while the butcher rejoices, saying, “For our sake it feeds on the grass of (its) desire.”
می‌چرد آن بره و قصاب شاد ** کو برای ما چرد برگ مراد
In respect of food and drink thou art doing the work of Hell thou art fattening thyself for its (Hell’s) sake.
کار دوزخ می‌کنی در خوردنی ** بهر او خود را تو فربه می‌کنی
Do thine own work, feed on the daily bread of Wisdom, that the glorious heart (spirit) may become fat.
کار خود کن روزی حکمت بچر ** تا شود فربه دل با کر و فر
Bodily eating and drinking is the obstacle to this (spiritual) eating and drinking: the spirit is like a merchant, while the body is like a highwayman.
خوردن تن مانع این خوردنست ** جان چو بازرگان و تن چون ره‌زنست
(Only) at the time when the highwayman is consumed like firewood is the candle of the spirit resplendent;3610
شمع تاجر آنگهست افروخته ** که بود ره‌زن چو هیزم سوخته