This reciprocal destruction is inflicted by (every) contrary on its contrary: when there is no contrary, there is naught but everlastingness.
این تفانی از ضد آید ضد را ** چون نباشد ضد نبود جز بقا
He (God) who hath no like banished contraries from Paradise, saying, “Neither sun nor its contrary, intense cold, shall be there.”
نفی ضد کرد از بهشت آن بی‌نظیر ** که نباشد شمس و ضدش زمهریر
Colourlessness is the origin of colours, peaces are the origins of wars.
هست بی‌رنگی اصول رنگها ** صلحها باشد اصول جنگها
That world is the origin of this dolorous abode, union is the origin of every parting and separation.60
آن جهانست اصل این پرغم وثاق ** وصل باشد اصل هر هجر و فراق
Wherefore, sire, are we thus in opposition, and wherefore does unity give birth to these numbers?
این مخالف از چه‌ایم ای خواجه ما ** واز چه زاید وحدت این اعداد را
Because we are the branch and the four elements are the stock: in the branch the stock has brought its own nature into existence.
زانک ما فرعیم و چار اضداد اصل ** خوی خود در فرع کرد ایجاد اصل
(But) since the substance, (which is) the spirit, is beyond ramifications, its nature is not this (plurality); it is the nature of (the Divine) Majesty.
گوهر جان چون ورای فصلهاست ** خوی او این نیست خوی کبریاست
Perceive that wars which are the origins of peaces are like (the war of) the Prophet whose war is for God's sake.
جنگها بین کان اصول صلحهاست ** چون نبی که جنگ او بهر خداست
He is victorious and mighty in both worlds: the description of this victor is not contained in the mouth.65
غالبست و چیر در هر دو جهان ** شرح این غالب نگنجد در دهان
Still, if it is impossible to drain (drink) the Oxus, one cannot deny one's self as much (water) as will slake thirst.
آب جیحون را اگر نتوان کشید ** هم ز قدر تشنگی نتوان برید