Rumi's Masnavi - If he had given an ocean of limpid water to a thirsty man, such was his generosity that he would be ashamed of (bestowing) that gift;

If he had given an ocean of limpid water to a thirsty man, such was his generosity that he would be ashamed of (bestowing) that gift;

گر بدادی تشنه را بحری زلال ** در کرم شرمنده بودی زان نوال

And if he had made a mote (as full of splendour as) a place of sunrise, (even) that would (seem) to his lofty aspiration (to) be an unworthy action.

ور بکردی ذره‌ای را مشرقی ** بودی آن در همتش نالایقی

That poor stranger came (to Tabríz) in hope of him, for to poor strangers he was always (like) a kinsman and relative. 3020

بر امید او بیامد آن غریب ** کو غریبان را بدی خویش و نسیب

That poor stranger was familiar with his door and had paid innumerable debts from his bounty.

با درش بود آن غریب آموخته ** وام بی‌حد از عطایش توخته

In reliance upon that generous (patron) he ran into debt, for the (poor) man was confident of (receiving) his donations.

هم به پشت آن کریم او وام کرد ** که ببخششهاش واثق بود مرد

He had been made reckless by him (the Inspector) and eager to incur debts in hope of (being enriched by) that munificent sea.

لا ابالی گشته زو و وام‌جو ** بر امید قلزم اکرام‌خو

His creditors looked sour, while he was laughing happily, like the rose, on account of that garden (abode) of generous souls.

وام‌داران روترش او شادکام ** هم‌چو گل خندان از آن روض الکرام

(When) his (the Moslem's) back is warmed by the Sun of the Arabs, what does he care for the moustache (vain bluster) of Bú Lahab? 3025

گرم شد پشتش ز خورشید عرب ** چه غمستش از سبال بولهب

When he has a covenant and alliance with the rain-cloud, how should he grudge water to the water-carriers?

چونک دارد عهد و پیوند سحاب ** کی دریغ آید ز سقایانش آب

How should the magicians who were acquainted with God's Hand (Power) bestow (the name of) hands and feet upon these hands and feet?

ساحران واقف از دست خدا ** کی نهند این دست و پا را دست و پا