What of barley? It never got its fill (even) of dry straw: at its heels a (cruel) blow and an iron goad.
جو کجا از کاه خشک او سیر نی ** در عقب زخمی و سیخی آهنی
The Master of the (royal) stable saw it and took pity—for the man was acquainted with the owner of the ass—
میر آخر دید او را رحم کرد ** که آشنای صاحب خر بود مرد
So he saluted him and asked him what had happened, saying, “What is the cause of this ass being bent double like a dál?”2365
پس سلامش کرد و پرسیدش ز حال ** کز چه این خر گشت دوتا هم‌چو دال
He replied, “On account of my poverty and destitution this dumb animal is not getting even straw.”
گفت از درویشی و تقصیر من ** که نمی‌یابد خود این بسته‌دهن
“Hand him over to me,” said the other, “for a few days, that in the King's stable he may grow strong.”
گفت بسپارش به من تو روز چند ** تا شود در آخر شه زورمند
He handed the ass over to him, and that merciful man tethered him in the Sultan's stable.
خر بدو بسپرد و آن رحمت‌پرست ** در میان آخر سلطانش بست
The ass saw on every side (of him) Arab horses, well-fed and fat and handsome and glossy;
خر ز هر سو مرکب تازی بدید ** با نوا و فربه و خوب و جدید
(He saw the ground) swept (clean) under their feet and sprinkled with water; the straw coming at the (proper) time, and the barley at the hour (when it was expected).2370
زیر پاشان روفته آبی زده ** که به وقت وجو به هنگام آمده
He saw the horses curry-combed and rubbed down. (Then) he lifted up his muzzle, crying, “O glorious Lord,
خارش و مالش مر اسپان را بدید ** پوز بالا کرد کای رب مجید
Am not I Thy creature? I grant that I am an ass, (but) wherefore am I wretched, with sores on my back, and lean?
نه که مخلوق توم گیرم خرم ** از چه زار و پشت ریش و لاغرم