If no help be given by ink and pen, how shall the writing come on to the surface of the paper?
گر نباشد یاری حبر و قلم ** کی فتد بر روی کاغذها رقم
If this rush-mat which some one is spreading were not joined together (interwoven), the wind would carry it away.
این حصیری که کسی می‌گسترد ** گر نپیوندد به هم بادش برد
Since God created pairs of every kind, therefore (all) results are produced by means of union.”
حق ز هر جنسی چو زوجین آفرید ** پس نتایج شد ز جمعیت پدید
He (the fowler) spoke (on one side) and it (the bird) spoke (on the other side): their debate on this subject was prolonged by the vehemence (with which they argued).
او بگفت و او بگفت از اهتزاز ** بحثشان شد اندرین معنی دراز
Make the Mathnawí nimble and pleasing to the heart: abridge and shorten (their) controversy.525
مثنوی را چابک و دلخواه کن ** ماجرا را موجز و کوتاه کن
Afterwards, it (the bird) said to him, “Whose is the wheat?” He replied, “It is the deposit of an orphan who has no guardian.
بعد از آن گفتش که گندم آن کیست ** گفت امانت از یتیم بی وصیست
It is orphans' property, deposited with me because people deem me trustworthy.”
مال ایتام است امانت پیش من ** زانک پندارند ما را متمن
The bird said, “I am driven by necessity and in a sore plight: (even) carrion is lawful to me at this moment.
گفت من مضطرم و مجروح‌حال ** هست مردار این زمان بر من حلال
Hark, with your permission I will eat of this wheat, O trusty and devout and venerable one.”
هین به دستوری ازین گندم خورم ** ای امین و پارسا و محترم
He replied, “You are the judge of (your) necessity: if you eat without necessity, you will commit a sin;530