“Hey!” cried one of them, “why trouble about gold?” Talk (rather) of cornelians and rubies and (all sorts of) jewels.1870
آن یکی می‌گفت هی چه جای زر ** از عقیق و لعل گوی و از گهر
He is the most privileged (keeper) of the Sultan's treasury: nay, he is now (as dear) to the King (as) life itself.”
خاص خاص مخزن سلطان ویست ** بلک اکنون شاه را خود جان ویست
What worth should rubies and corundums and emeralds or cornelians possess in the eyes of this man (so) beloved (of the King)?
چه محل دارد به پیش این عشیق ** لعل و یاقوت و زمرد یا عقیق
The King had no evil thoughts of him: he was (only) making a mock (of the courtiers) by way of trial.
شاه را بر وی نبودی بد گمان ** تسخری می‌کرد بهر امتحان
He knew him to be free from all deceitfulness and guile; (yet) again his heart was shaken with misgiving,
پاک می‌دانستش از هر غش و غل ** باز از وهمش همی‌لرزید دل
Lest this (charge) might be (true) and he (Ayáz) should be wounded (in his feelings). “I do not wish,” (he said), “that shame should come over him.1875
که مبادا کین بود خسته شود ** من نخواهم که برو خجلت رود
He has not done this thing; and if he has, ’tis right: let him do whatever he will, (for) he is my beloved.
این نکردست او و گر کرد او رواست ** هر چه خواهد گو بکن محبوب ماست
Whatever my beloved may do, ’tis I have done (it). I am he, he is I: what (matter) though I am (hidden from view) in the veil?”
هر چه محبوبم کند من کرده‌ام ** او منم من او چه گر در پرده‌ام
Again he would say, “He is far removed from this disposition and (these bad) qualities: such wild accusations (on their part) are (mere) drivel and fancy.
باز گفتی دور از آن خو و خصال ** این چنین تخلیط ژاژست و خیال
(That) this (should proceed) from Ayáz is absurd and incredible, for he is an ocean whereof none can see the bottom.”
از ایاز این خود محالست و بعید ** کو یکی دریاست قعرش ناپدید