Both the ass and he that caught the ass are (stuck) in the mud here: here (in this world) they are forgetful of (God) and there (in the next world) they are sunk (in woe)—
هم خر و خرگیر اینجا در گلند ** غافلند اینجا و آن‌جا آفلند
(All) except those who turn back from that (deception) and come (forth) from the autumn (of sensuality) into the springtide of (Divine) grace,
جز کسانی را که وا گردند از آن ** در بهار فضل آیند از خزان
And who repent, for God is ready to accept repentance, and cleave to His command, for a goodly Commander is He!
توبه آرند و خدا توبه‌پذیر ** امر او گیرند و او نعم الامیر
When, (moved) by sorrow, they raise a piteous cry, the highest Heaven trembles at the moaning of the sinners.3625
چون بر آرند از پشیمانی حنین ** عرش لرزد از انین المذنبین
It trembles even as a mother for her child: it takes them by the hand and draws them upward,
آن‌چنان لرزد که مادر بر ولد ** دستشان گیرد به بالا می‌کشد
Saying, “O ye whom God hath redeemed from delusion, behold the gardens of (Divine) grace and behold the forgiving Lord!
کای خداتان وا خریده از غرور ** نک ریاض فضل و نک رب غفور
Henceforth ye have everlasting provision and sustenance from God's air, not from the gutter (on the roof).”
بعد ازینتان برگ و رزق جاودان ** از هوای حق بود نه از ناودان
Inasmuch as the Sea is jealous of intermediaries, he that is thirsty as a fish takes leave of the water-skin.
چونک دریا بر وسایط رشک کرد ** تشنه چون ماهی به ترک مشک کرد
How the princes, having bidden the King farewell, set out on a journey through their father's empire, and how the King repeated his injunctions at the moment of farewell.
روان شدن شه‌زادگان در ممالک پدر بعد از وداع کردن ایشان شاه را و اعادت کردن شاه وقت وداع وصیت را الی آخره
The (King's) three sons set out, in the fashion of (men equipped for) travel, to (visit) their father's (distant) possessions,3630
عزم ره کردند آن هر سه پسر ** سوی املاک پدر رسم سفر
And to make a tour of his cities and fortresses for the purpose of regulating the administrative and economic conditions.
در طواف شهرها و قلعه‌هاش ** از پی تدبیر دیوان و معاش