Still (continuing his entreaties), the Turk of Khitá said for the third time, ‘Tell me a joke for God's sake!’
هم‌چنین بار سوم ترک خطا ** گفت لاغی گوی از بهر خدا
He (the tailor) told a story more laughable than (those which he had related) on the two previous occasions, and made this Turk entirely his prey.
گفت لاغی خندمین‌تر زان دو بار ** کرد او این ترک را کلی شکار
His eyes shut, his reason flown, bewildered, the boastful Turk was intoxicated with guffaws.
چشم بسته عقل جسته مولهه ** مست ترک مدعی از قهقهه
Then for the third time he (the tailor) filched a strip from the coat (which he was cutting), since the Turk's laughter gave him ample scope (for his dexterity).
پس سوم بار از قبا دزدید شاخ ** که ز خنده‌ش یافت میدان فراخ
When for the fourth time the Turk of Khitá was demanding a jest from the master(-tailor),1705
چون چهارم بار آن ترک خطا ** لاغ از آن استا همی‌کرد اقتضا
The master took pity on him and put aside (abandoned) artfulness and injustice.
رحم آمد بر وی آن استاد را ** کرد در باقی فن و بیداد را
He said (to himself), ‘This infatuated man has a great desire for these (facetious tales), not knowing what a loss and swindle they are (for him).’
گفت مولع گشت این مفتون درین ** بی‌خبر کین چه خسارست و غبین
(Nevertheless) he (the Turk) showered kisses on (the face and eyes of) the master, crying, ‘For God's sake tell me a story!’
بوسه‌افشان کرد بر استاد او ** که بمن بهر خدا افسانه گو
O thou who hast become a story and (art) dead to (useful) existence, how long wilt thou wish to make trial of stories?
ای فسانه گشته و محو از وجود ** چند افسانه بخواهی آزمود
No story is more laughable than thou (thyself): stand (and meditate) on the edge of thine own ruinous grave!1710
خندمین‌تر از تو هیچ افسانه نیست ** بر لب گور خراب خویش ایست