- And the more strongly he gripped the bow each time, the worse luck he had in respect of (finding) the treasure and (hitting) the mark.
- هر کمانی کو گرفتی سخت‌تر ** بود از گنج و نشان بدبخت‌تر
- This parable is of vital import (to the soul) in the world: the soul of the ignorant is worthy of pain (deserves to suffer.)
- این مثل اندر زمانه جانی است ** جان نادانان به رنج ارزانی است
- Inasmuch as the ignoramus disdains his teacher, consequently he goes and opens a new shop.
- زانک جاهل ننگ دارد ز اوستاد ** لاجرم رفت و دکانی نو گشاد
- O (you who are vain and specious as a) picture, that shop, (set up) over the teacher, is stinking and full of scorpions and snakes. 2365
- آن دکان بالای استاد ای نگار ** گنده و پر کزدمست و پر ز مار
- Quickly lay waste that shop and turn back to the greenery and the rose-tress and the watering-place;
- زود ویران کن دکان و بازگرد ** سوی سبزه و گلبنان و آب‌خورد
- Not like Canaan, who from pride and ignorance made of the “protecting” mountain a ship (ark) of safety.
- نه چو کنعان کو ز کبر و ناشناخت ** از که عاصم سفینه‌ی فوز ساخت
- His (the fakir’s) knowledge of archery became a veil (barrier) to him, while (all the time) he had that object of desire present in his bosom.
- علم تیراندازیش آمد حجاب ** وان مراد او را بده حاضر به جیب
- Oh, how often have knowledge and keen wits and understandings become as (deadly as) the ghoul or brigand to the wayfarer!
- ای بسا علم و ذکاوات و فطن ** گشته ره‌رو را چو غول و راه‌زن
- Most of those destined for Paradise are simpletons (simple-minded), so that they escape from the mischief of philosophy. 2370
- بیشتر اصحاب جنت ابلهند ** تا ز شر فیلسوفی می‌رهند
- Strip yourself of (useless) learning and vanity, in order that (the Divine) mercy may descend on you at every moment.
- خویش را عریان کن از فضل و فضول ** تا کند رحمت به تو هر دم نزول