Truly, I meant to tell you, by way of instruction, not to be afraid if you should see a terrible thing like that;
من ترا خود خواستم گفتن به درس ** که چنان هولی اگر بینی مترس
But I forgot to impart (this) knowledge to you, because I was overwhelmed with grief and pity on your account.
لیک رفت از یاد علم آموزیت ** که بدم مستغرق دلسوزیت
I saw you were ravenously hungry and without food, (therefore) I was making haste so that you might attain to the remedy;
دیدمت در جوع کلب و بی‌نوا ** می‌شتابیدم که آیی تا دوا
Otherwise I would have explained the spell to you: it (the lion) presents itself as an apparition, it is not a (real) body.”
ورنه با تو گفتمی شرح طلسم ** که آن خیالی می‌نماید نیست جسم
The reply of the ass to the fox.
جواب گفتن خر روباه را
“Hark,” cried the ass, “begone, begone from my presence, O enemy, that I may not see your face, O ugly one!2620
گفت رو رو هین ز پیشم ای عدو ** تا نبینم روی تو ای زشت‌رو
That God who made you ill-fated hath made your ugly face detestable and impudent.
آن خدایی که ترا بدبخت کرد ** روی زشتت را کریه و سخت کرد
With what face do you come to me? The rhinoceros has not such a hard skin (as you have).
با کدامین روی می‌آیی به من ** این چنین سغری ندارد کرگدن
You manifestly attempted to shed my life-blood, saying, ‘I will guide you to the meadow,’
رفته‌ای در خون جانم آشکار ** که ترا من ره‌برم تا مرغزار
So that I beheld the face of Azrael; (now) again you have brought cunning and plausible suggestion (to bear on me).
تا بدیدم روی عزرائیل را ** باز آوردی فن و تسویل را
Though I am a disgrace to the asses or an ass (myself), (yet) I am possessed of life, I have a vital spirit: how should I purchase (accept and believe) this (palaver)?2625
گرچه من ننگ خرانم یا خرم ** جانورم جان دارم این را کی خرم