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
If a child had seen the pitiless horror that I saw, it would instantly have become old.
آنچ من دیدم ز هول بی‌امان ** طفل دیدی پیر گشتی در زمان
Deprived of heart and soul by dread of that awful object, I threw myself headlong from the mountain.
بی‌دل و جان از نهیب آن شکوه ** سرنگون خود را در افکندم ز کوه
My legs were tied (paralysed) by terror as soon as I perceived that (cruel) torment without (any) barrier (between it and me).
بسته شد پایم در آن دم از نهیب ** چون بدیدم آن عذاب بی‌حجاب
I made a promise to God, crying, ‘O gracious One, do Thou loose my legs from this bondage,
عهد کردم با خدا کای ذوالمنن ** برگشا زین بستگی تو پای من
So that henceforth I may not listen to any one's temptation: I promise, I vow (that I will not listen), O Helper!’2630
تا ننوشم وسوسه‌ی کس بعد ازین ** عهد کردم نذر کردم ای معین
Thereupon God loosed my legs because of my prayer and humble entreaty and indication (of abasement);
حق گشاده کرد آن دم پای من ** زان دعا و زاری و ایمای من
Else the fierce lion would have overtaken me: how would an ass have fared in the grip of a lion?
ورنه اندر من رسیدی شیر نر ** چون بدی در زیر پنجه‌ی شیر خر
Now the lion of the jungle has sent you to me again for the purpose of deceit, O evil companion that you are!”
باز بفرستادت آن شیر عرین ** سوی من از مکر ای بس القرین
(I swear) by the truth of the Holy Person of Allah, the Lord, that a malign snake is better than a malign friend.
حق ذات پاک الله الصمد ** که بود به مار بد از یار بد