And another donkey would say, “With this fastidiousness (of his), let him recline on the imperial throne!”
وآن خری گفتی که با این نازکی ** بر سریر شاه شو گو متکی
A certain donkey became ill with indigestion and was unable to eat; therefore he gave the gazelle a formal invitation (to dine).
آن خری شد تخمه وز خوردن بماند ** پس برسم دعوت آهو را بخواند
He (the gazelle) shook his head, (as though to say), “Nay, begone, O such-and such: I have no appetite, I am unwell.”
سر چنین کرد او که نه رو ای فلان ** اشتهاام نیست هستم ناتوان
He (the donkey) replied, “I know that you are showing disdain, or holding aloof in regard for your reputation.”915
گفت می‌دانم که نازی می‌کنی ** یا ز ناموس احترازی می‌کنی
He (the gazelle) said to himself, “That (which you offer me) is your food, whereby your limbs are revived and renewed.
گفت او با خود که آن طعمه‌ی توست ** که از آن اجزای تو زنده و نوست
I have been familiar with a (beauteous) pasture, I have reposed amongst (rivulets of) clear water and meadows.
من الیف مرغزاری بوده‌ام ** در زلال و روضه‌ها آسوده‌ام
If Destiny has cast me into torment, (yet) how should that goodly disposition and nature depart (from me)?
گر قضا انداخت ما را در عذاب ** کی رود آن خو و طبع مستطاب
If I have become a beggar, (yet) how should I have the face (impudence and greed) of a beggar? And if my (bodily) raiment become old, (yet) I am (spiritually) new.
گر گدا گشتم گدارو کی شوم ** ور لباسم کهنه گردد من نوم
I have eaten hyacinth and anemone and sweet basil too with a thousand disdains and disgusts.”920
سنبل و لاله و سپرغم نیز هم ** با هزاران ناز و نفرت خورده‌ام
He (the donkey) said, “Yes; boast and boast and boast away! In a strange country one can utter many an idle brag.”