And if (selfish) motives debar (thee) from this insight, cast these motives out of thy bosom;
وز غرضها زین نظر گردد حجاب ** این غرضها را برون افکن ز جیب
And if thou canst not (cast them out), do not stand inertly in a state of incapacity: know that with (every) incapable there is a goodly Incapacitator.
ور نیاری خشک بر عجزی مه‌ایست ** دانک با عاجز گزیده معجزیست
Incapacity is a chain: He laid it upon thee: thou must open thine eye to (behold) Him who lays the chain.
عجز زنجیریست زنجیرت نهاد ** چشم در زنجیرنه باید گشاد
Therefore make humble entreaty, saying, “O Guide (in the ways) of life, I was free, (and now) I have fallen into bondage: what is the cause of this?
پس تضرع کن کای هادی زیست ** باز بودم بسته گشتم این ز چیست
I have planted my foot in evil more firmly (than ever), for through Thy omnipotence verily I am (engaged) in a losing business all the time.770
سخت‌تر افشرده‌ام در شر قدم ** که لفی خسرم ز قهرت دم به دم
I have been deaf to Thy admonitions: while professing to be an idol-breaker, I have (really) been an idol-maker.
از نصیحتهای تو کر بوده‌ام ** بت‌شکن دعوی و بت‌گر بوده‌ام
Is it more incumbent (on me) to think of Thy works or of death? (Of death): death is like autumn, and Thou art (the root which is) the origin of the leaves.”
یاد صنعت فرض‌تر یا یاد مرگ ** مرگ مانند خزان تو اصل برگ
For years this death has been beating the drum, (but only when it is) too late is your ear moved (to listen).
سالها این مرگ طبلک می‌زند ** گوش تو بیگاه جنبش می‌کند
In his agony he (the heedless man) cries from his (inmost) soul, “Alas, I am dying!” Has Death made you aware of himself (only) now?
گوید اندر نزع از جان آه مرگ ** این زمان کردت ز خود آگاه مرگ
Death's throat is exhausted with shouting: his drum is split with the astounding blows (with which it has been beaten).775
این گلوی مرگ از نعره گرفت ** طبل او بشکافت از ضرب شگفت