Form is the shadow, reality is the sun: the shadowless light is (only to be found) in the ruin.
هست صورت سایه معنی آفتاب ** نور بیسایه بود اندر خراب
When not a brick is left (resting) on a brick there, no ugly shadow remains in the moonlight.
چونک آنجا خشت بر خشتی نماند ** نور مه را سایهی زشتی نماند
(Even) if the brick be of gold it must be torn away, since (the removal of) the brick is the price paid for inspiration and light.
خشت اگر زرین بود بر کندنیست ** چون بهای خشت وحی و روشنیست
In order to remove the shadow (of materiality) the mountain (Sinai) is rased to the ground: ’tis a small matter to fall to pieces for the sake of this light.4750
کوه بهر دفع سایه مندکست ** پاره گشتن بهر این نور اندکست
When the light of the Lord struck on the surface of the mountain, it (the mountain) fell to pieces in order that it (the light) should penetrate its interior too.
بر برون که چو زد نور صمد ** پاره شد تا در درونش هم زند
As soon as a loaf of bread touches the palm of a hungry man, his eyes and mouth open wide in desire (to eat it).
گرسنه چون بر کفش زد قرص نان ** وا شکافد از هوس چشم و دهان
This (light) is worth (the price, namely) falling into a hundred thousand pieces: soar up through the (spiritual) heaven, O (thou who resemblest) earth,
صد هزاران پاره گشتن ارزد این ** از میان چرخ برخیز ای زمین
That the light of heaven may consume thy shadow: the (dark) night is caused by thy shadow, O enemy of Day.
تا که نور چرخ گردد سایهسوز ** شب ز سایهی تست ای یاغی روز
This earth is like a cradle for babes: it cramps the movements of grownup men.4755
این زمین چون گاهوارهی طفلکان ** بالغان را تنگ میدارد مکان
On account of the babes (who live in it) God hath called the earth a cradle (mahd), and He hath bestowed milk on the babes in their cradle.
بهر طفلان حق زمین را مهد خواند ** شیر در گهواره بر طفلان فشاند