- How should I deem it allowable that a priceless pearl like this should go to waste?”
- چون روا دارم که مثل این گهر ** که نیاید در بها گردد هدر
- “Well said!” exclaimed the King and presented him with a dress of honour; the generous King took the pearl from him, 4040
- گفت شاباش و بدادش خلعتی ** گوهر از وی بستد آن شاه و فتی
- (But) the munificent monarch bestowed on the Vizier every garment and robe that he wore.
- کرد ایثار وزیر آن شاه جود ** هر لباس و حله کو پوشیده بود
- For a while he engaged them (the courtiers) in conversation concerning new event and old mystery.
- ساعتیشان کرد مشغول سخن ** از قضیه تازه و راز کهن
- Afterwards he put it (the pearl) into the hand of a chamberlain, saying, "What is it worth to a would-be purchaser?"
- بعد از آن دادش به دست حاجبی ** که چه ارزد این به پیش طالبی
- He replied, “It is worth half a kingdom: may God preserve it from destruction!”
- گفت ارزد این به نیمهی مملکت ** کش نگهدارا خدا از مهلکت
- “Break it,” said he. “O thou whose sword is like the sun he replied, “alas, ‘tis a great pity to break it. 4045
- گفت بشکن گفت ای خورشیدتیغ ** بس دریغست این شکستن را دریغ
- Let alone its value, mark its splendour and brilliancies: this (shining) daylight has become second to it.
- قیمتش بگذار بین تاب و لمع ** که شدست این نور روز او را تبع
- How should my hand make a movement to break it? How should I be an enemy to the King’s treasure-house?”
- دست کی جنبد مرا در کسر او ** که خزینهی شاه را باشم عدو
- The King gave him a robe of honour and increased his stipend, and then opened his mouth in praise of his (the chamberlain’s) intelligence;
- شاه خلعت داد ادرارش فزود ** پس دهان در مدح عقل او گشود