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
صورت خوبان بود عشرت کند ** صورت غیبی بود خلوت کند
The form of want leads (the body) to earn (the means of livelihood); the form of strength of arm leads (the body) to seize (the property of others) by force.
صورت محتاجی آرد سوی کسب ** صورت بازو وری آرد به غصب
These (ideas) are boundless and immeasurable (in number): the motive to action (arises) from various sorts of (such) phantasy.
این ز حد و اندازهها باشد برون ** داعی فعل از خیال گونهگون
All the infinite ways of life and (all) the crafts are the shadow (reflexion) of the form of thoughts.
بینهایت کیشها و پیشهها ** جمله ظل صورت اندیشهها
(For example, when) happy folk (are) standing on the edge of a roof, observe the shadow of each one on the ground.
بر لب بام ایستاده قوم خوش ** هر یکی را بر زمین بین سایهاش
The form of thought is on the lofty roof (of the spirit), while the (resultant) action appears, like a shadow, on the pillars (bodily limbs).3730
صورت فکرست بر بام مشید ** وآن عمل چون سایه بر ارکان پدید
The action is (manifested) on the pillars, while the thought (that produces it) is concealed; but the two are combined in the correlation of cause and effect.
فعل بر ارکان و فکرت مکتتم ** لیک در تاثیر و وصلت دو به هم