Since all lights are (derived) from the everlasting Sun, wherefore did the true dawn and the false dawn rise?
چون همه انوار از شمس بقاست ** صبح صادق صبح کاذب از چه خاست
Since the blackness of every seeing person’s eye is (derived) from a single Collyrium, wherefore did true sight and strabism come (into being)?
چون ز یک سرمه‌ست ناظر را کحل ** از چه آمد راست‌بینی و حول
Since God is the Governor of the Mint, how is it that (both) good and spurious coins are struck?
چونک دار الضرب را سلطان خداست ** نقد را چون ضرب خوب و نارواست
Since God has called the Way ‘My Way,’ wherefore is this one a trusty escort and that one a brigand?1610
چون خدا فرمود ره را راه من ** این خفیر از چیست و آن یک راه‌زن
How can (both) the (noble) freeman and the (base) fool come from a single womb, since it is certain that the son is (the expression of) his father’s inmost nature?
از یک اشکم چون رسد حر و سفیه ** چون یقین شد الولد سر ابیه
Who (ever) saw a Unity with so many thousand (numbers), (or) a hundred thousand motions (proceeding) from the essence of Rest?”
وحدتی که دید با چندین هزار ** صد هزاران جنبش از عین قرار
The Cadi’s reply to the Súfi.
جواب گفتن آن قاضی صوفی را
The Cadi said, “O Súfí, do not be perplexed: hearken to a parable in explanation of this (mystery).
گفت قاضی صوفیا خیره مشو ** یک مثالی در بیان این شنو
(‘Tis) just as the disquiet of lovers is the result of the tranquillity of the one who captivates their hearts.
هم‌چنانک بی‌قراری عاشقان ** حاصل آمد از قرار دلستان
He stands immovable, like a mountain, in his disdain, while his lovers are quivering like leaves.1615
او چو که در ناز ثابت آمده ** عاشقان چون برگها لرزان شده
His laughter stirs (them to) tears, his glory causes their glories to fade.
خنده‌ی او گریه‌ها انگیخته ** آب رویش آب روها ریخته