The leafage (flourishing state) of the body is the leaflessness (unprovidedness) of the soul. Be quick! You must let this (body) dwindle and that (soul) increase.145
برگ تن بی‌برگی جانست زود ** این بباید کاستن آن را فزود
Lend unto God, give a loan of this leafage of the body, that in exchange a garden may grow in your heart.
اقرضوا الله قرض ده زین برگ تن ** تا بروید در عوض در دل چمن
Give a loan, diminish this food of your body, that there may appear the face (vision) of (that which) eye hath not seen.
قرض ده کم کن ازین لقمه‌ی تنت ** تا نماید وجه لا عین رات
When the body empties itself of dung, He (God) fills it with musk and glorious pearls.
تن ز سرگین خویش چون خالی کند ** پر ز مشک و در اجلالی کند
He (such a person) gives this filth and gets purity (in return): his body enjoys (what is signified by the words) He will purify you.
زین پلیدی بدهد و پاکی برد ** از یطهرکم تن او بر خورد
The Devil frightens you, saying, “Hark and hark again! You will be sorry for this and will be saddened.150
دیو می‌ترساندت که هین و هین ** زین پشیمان گردی و گردی حزین
If you waste away your body in consequence of these idle whims, you will become very sorry and anxious.
گر گدازی زین هوسها تو بدن ** بس پشیمان و غمین خواهی شدن
Eat this, it is hot and good for your health; and drink that for your benefit and as a cure,
این بخور گرمست و داروی مزاج ** وآن بیاشام از پی نفع و علاج
With the intention (of acting on the principle) that (since) this body is your riding-beast that to which it is accustomed is best for it.
هم بدین نیت که این تن مرکبست ** آنچ خو کردست آنش اصوبست
Beware, do not alter your habit, else mischief will ensure and a hundred maladies will be produced in brain and heart.”
هین مگردان خو که پیش آید خلل ** در دماغ و دل بزاید صد علل