Is writing more intelligible with a writer or without a writer? Think, O son!
خط با کاتب بود معقول‌تر ** یا که بی‌کاتب بیندیش ای پسر
How should the jím of the ear and the ‘ayn of the eye and the mím of the mouth be (formed) without a Writer, O suspect?
جیم گوش و عین چشم و میم فم ** چون بود بی‌کاتبی ای متهم
Is the bright (lighted) candle without one who lights it or with a skilful lighter?370
شمع روشن بی‌ز گیراننده‌ای ** یا بگیراننده‌ی داننده‌ای
Is it more reasonable to expect good craftsmanship from the hand of one who is palsied and blind or from one who has control (of his hands) and can see?
صنعت خوب از کف شل ضریر ** باشد اولی یا بگیرایی بصیر
Since, therefore, you have apprehended (the fact) that He (God) will overpower you and beat the mace of tribulation on your head,
پس چو دانستی که قهرت می‌کند ** بر سرت دبوس محنت می‌زند
Like a Nimrod, repel Him by war (if you can)! Launch an arrow of (hard) poplar-wood into the air against Him!
پس بکن دفعش چو نمرودی به جنگ ** سوی او کش در هوا تیری خدنگ
Like the Mongol soldiery, shoot an arrow at Heaven to prevent your soul being torn (from your body)!
هم‌چو اسپاه مغل بر آسمان ** تیر می‌انداز دفع نزع جان
Or flee from Him, if you can, and go (your way); (but) how can you go, since you are a pawn in His hand?375
یا گریز از وی اگر توانی برو ** چون روی چون در کف اویی گرو
(When) you were in non-existence, you did not escape from His hand: how will you escape from His hand (now), O helpless one?
در عدم بودی نرستی از کفش ** از کف او چون رهی ای دست‌خوش
To seek (one's own) desire is to flee (from God) and shed the blood of piety in the presence of His justice.