’Tis like as (when) from separation and union diverse fancies are woven (conceived) in the heart.
آنچنان که اندر دل از هجر و وصال ** می‌شود بافیده گوناگون خیال
Does this cause ever resemble its effect? Does the cry (of pain) and lamentation ever resemble the loss (that caused it)?
هیچ ماند این مثر با اثر ** هیچ ماند بانگ و نوحه با ضرر
The lamentation has a form, the loss is formless: they (the losers) gnaw their hands on account of a loss that has no hand.
نوحه را صورت ضرر بی‌صورتست ** دست خایند از ضرر کش نیست دست
This comparison, O seeker of guidance, does not fit (the case), (but) ’tis the best effort a poor man can make to explain it.
این مثل نالایقست ای مستدل ** حیله‌ی تفهیم را جهد المقل
The formless working (of God) sows (the seed of) a form (idea), (whence) there grows up a body endowed with senses and a (rational) faculty,3720
صنع بی‌صورت بکارد صورتی ** تن بروید با حواس و آلتی
So that the form (idea), whatever it be, according to its own nature brings the body into (a state of) good or evil.
تا چه صورت باشد آن بر وفق خود ** اندر آرد جسم را در نیک و بد
If it be a form (idea) of beneficence, it (the body) turns to thanksgiving; if it be a form of deferment, it (the body) becomes patient;
صورت نعمت بود شاکر شود ** صورت مهلت بود صابر شود
If it be a form of mercy, it (the body) becomes flourishing; if it be a form of repulse, it (the body) becomes full of moans;
صورت رحمی بود بالان شود ** صورت زخمی بود نالان شود
If it be the form of a city, it (the body) takes a journey (thither); if it be the form of an arrow, it (the body) takes a shield (in defence);
صورت شهری بود گیرد سفر ** صورت تیری بود گیرد سپر
If it be the form of fair ones, it (the body) indulges in enjoyment; if it be a form of the unseen world, it (the body) practises religious seclusion.3725