(But) when you see (one who resembles) a water-skin full of deceit and falsehood, shut your lips and make yourself like a (dry-lipped) jar;
چون ببینی مشک پر مکر و مجاز ** لب ببند و خویشتن را خنب ساز
(For) he is an enemy to the water (of spiritual life): in his presence do not move (your lips), else the stone of his ignorance breaks the jar.
دشمن آبست پیش او مجنب ** ورنه سنگ جهل او بشکست خنب
Patiently endure the punishments inflicted by the ignorant man: give him fair words and dissemble (towards him) with the reason that is divinely inspired.2040
با سیاستهای جاهل صبر کن ** خوش مدارا کن به عقل من لدن
Patience (shown) to the unworthy is the means of polishing (purifying) the worthy: wherever a heart exists, patience purifies it.
صبر با نااهل اهلان را جلاست ** صبر صافی می‌کند هر جا دلیست
The fire of Nimrod was the means of making pure (resplendent) the (inward) mirror of Abraham in (the process of) polishing.
آتش نمرود ابراهیم را ** صفوت آیینه آمد در جلا
The iniquitous unbelief of Noah's people and the patience of Noah were instrumental in polishing the mirror of Noah's spirit.
جور کفر نوحیان و صبر نوح ** نوح را شد صیقل مرآت روح
Story of the disciple of Shaykh (Abú) Hasan Kharraqání, may God sanctify his spirit!
حکایت مرید شیخ حسن خرقانی قدس الله سره
A dervish went from the town of Tálaqán because of the fame of Abu ’l- Husayn of Kháraqán.
رفت درویشی ز شهر طالقان ** بهر صیت بوالحسین خارقان
He traversed the mountains and the long valley to visit the Shaykh who was endowed with sincerity and fervent supplication.2045
کوهها ببرید و وادی دراز ** بهر دید شیخ با صدق و نیاز
Although the afflictions and injuries which he suffered on the road are deserving (of mention), I will abridge (the story).
آنچ در ره دید از رنج و ستم ** گرچه در خوردست کوته می‌کنم
When the young man reached the end of his journey, he asked to be directed to the house of that (spiritual) king.
چون به مقصد آمد از ره آن جوان ** خانه‌ی آن شاه را جست او نشان