There is (such) a power of choice in regard to injustice and wrong-doing: this (is what) I meant by this Devil and carnal soul.
اختیاری هست در ظلم و ستم ** من ازین شیطان و نفس این خواستم
The power of choice resides in your inward part, (but) it does not wound its hand till it sees a Joseph.2975
اختیار اندر درونت ساکنست ** تا ندید او یوسفی کف را نخست
The power of choice and the instinct (to choose) were (latent) in the soul: (when) it beheld his (Joseph's) face, then it spread wings and pinions (to fly towards him).
اختیار و داعیه در نفس بود ** روش دید آنگه پر و بالی گشود
When the dog is asleep its power of choice is lost, (but) when it sees the tripe it wags its tail.
A horse, too, whinnies when he sees barley, and when the meat is moved, the cat miauls.
اسپ هم حو حو کند چون دید جو ** چون بجنبد گوشت گربه کرد مو
Sight (of the desired object) is the means of moving the power of choice (to exert itself), just as a blowing (of breath) raises sparks from the fire.
دیدن آمد جنبش آن اختیار ** هم‌چو نفخی ز آتش انگیزد شرار
Therefore your power of choice is moved (to action) when Iblís becomes a go-between (dallála) and brings (to you) a message from Wís.2980
پس بجنبد اختیارت چون بلیس ** شد دلاله آردت پیغام ویس
When he presents an object of desire to this person (who possesses the power of choice), the sleeping power unrolls itself (begins to move towards that object);
چونک مطلوبی برین کس عرضه کرد ** اختیار خفته بگشاید نورد
And (on the other hand), in despite of the Devil, the Angel presents (to you) good objects (of desire) and makes an outcry in your heart,
وآن فرشته خیرها بر رغم دیو ** عرضه دارد می‌کند در دل غریو
In order that your power to choose the good may be moved (to action); for, before presentation, these two dispositions (towards good or evil) are asleep.
تا بجنبد اختیار خیر تو ** زانک پیش از عرضه خفتست این دو خو