Rumi's Masnavi - On His left an exceedingly world-consuming fire, on His right hand a sweet river.

On His left an exceedingly world-consuming fire, on His right hand a sweet river.

سوی چپش بس جهان‌سوز آتشی ** سوی دست راستش جوی خوشی

One party put forth their hands towards the fire, (while) another party were rejoicing and intoxicated (with desire) for that Kawthar.

سوی آن آتش گروهی برده دست ** بهر آن کوثر گروهی شاد و مست

But ’twas a very topsy-turvy (mystifying) game in the path of every one doomed to perdition or blessed with salvation. 425

لیک لعب بازگونه بود سخت ** پیش پای هر شقی و نیکبخت

Whoever went into the fire and sparks was emerging from the midst of the water;

هر که در آتش همی رفت و شرر ** از میان آب بر می‌کرد سر

Whoever went from the middle towards the water, he was at once found to be in the fire;

هر که سوی آب می‌رفت از میان ** او در آتش یافت می‌شد در زمان

Whoever went towards the right (hand) and the limpid water would put forth his head from the fire on the left;

هر که سوی راست شد و آب زلال ** سر ز آتش بر زد از سوی شمال

And he who went towards the fiery left, would emerge on the right.

وانک شد سوی شمال آتشین ** سر برون می‌کرد از سوی یمین

Few were they who hit upon (understood) the mystery of this occult (matter); consequently, seldom would any one go into the fire; 430

کم کسی بر سر این مضمر زدی ** لاجرم کم کس در آن آتش شدی

(None would go) except him upon whom felicity was shed, so that he abandoned the water and took refuge in the fire.

جز کسی که بر سرش اقبال ریخت ** کو رها کرد آب و در آتش گریخت

The people made the pleasure that was actually present their object of worship; consequently the people were swindled by this game.

کرده ذوق نقد را معبود خلق ** لاجرم زین لعب مغبون بود خلق