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
At night, because of the pain in my back and the (pangs of) hunger in my belly, I am always wishing to die.
شب ز درد پشت و از جوع شکم ** آرزومندم به مردن دم به دم
These horses are so happy and prosperous: why am I singled out for torment and tribulation?”
حال این اسپان چنین خوش با نوا ** من چه مخصوصم به تعذیب و بلا
Suddenly came the rumour of war: ’twas the time for the Arab horses to be saddled and brought into action.2375
ناگهان آوازه‌ی پیگار شد ** تازیان را وقت زین و کار شد
They were wounded with arrows by the foe: the barbs entered them on every side.
زخمهای تیر خوردند از عدو ** رفت پیکانها دریشان سو به سو
(When) those Arab horses returned from the campaign, they all fell down and lay on their backs in the stable.
از غزا باز آمدند آن تازیان ** اندر آخر جمله افتاده ستان
Their legs were tightly bandaged with (strips of) canvas: the farriers were standing in file,
پایهاشان بسته محکم با نوار ** نعلبندان ایستاده بر قطار