When the old man heard these words from the stones (idols), the ancient old man let his staff drop (from his hand);
چون شنید از سنگها پیر این سخن ** پس عصا انداخت آن پیر کهن
Then, from tremor and fear and dread caused by that proclamation (of the idols), the old man was striking his teeth together.965
پس ز لرزه و خوف و بیم آن ندا ** پیر دندانها به هم بر میزدی
Even as a naked man in winter, he was shuddering and saying, “O destruction!”
آنچنان که اندر زمستان مرد عور ** او همی لرزید و میگفت ای ثبور
When she (Halíma) saw the old man in such a state (of terror), in consequence of that marvel the woman lost (the power of) deliberation.
چون در آن حالت بدید او پیر را ** زان عجب گم کرد زن تدبیر را
She said, “O old man, though I am in affliction (on account of the loss of Mohammed), I am in manifold bewilderment (not knowing whether I should grieve or rejoice).
گفت پیر اگر چه من در محنتم ** حیرت اندر حیرت اندر حیرتم
At one moment the wind is making a speech to me, at another moment the stones are schooling me.
ساعتی بادم خطیبی میکند ** ساعتی سنگم ادیبی میکند
The wind addresses me with articulate words, the stones and mountains give me intelligence of (the real nature of) things.970
باد با حرفم سخنها میدهد ** سنگ و کوهم فهم اشیا میدهد
Once (before) they of the Invisible carried off my child—they of the Invisible, the green-winged ones of Heaven.
گاه طفلم را ربوده غیبیان ** غیبیان سبز پر آسمان
Of whom shall I complain? To whom shall I tell this plaint? I am become crazy and in a hundred minds.
از کی نالم با کی گویم این گله ** من شدم سودایی اکنون صد دله
His (God's) jealousy has closed my lips (so that I am unable) to unfold (the tale of) the mystery: I say (only) this much, that my child is lost.
غیرتش از شرح غیبم لب ببست ** این قدر گویم که طفلم گم شدست