Go into a corner, open the letter, read (it), see whether its‘ words are suitable to kings.1565
گوشه‌ای رو نامه را بگشا بخوان ** بین که حرفش هست در خورد شهان
If it be not suitable, tear it in pieces and write another letter and remedy (the fault).
گر نباشد درخور آن را پاره کن ** نامه‌ی دیگر نویس و چاره کن
But do not think it is easy to open the letter which is the body; otherwise every one would plainly see the secret of the heart.
لیک فتح نامه‌ی تن زپ مدان ** ورنه هر کس سر دل دیدی عیان
How hard and difficult is it to open the letter! ‘Tis a task for men, not for children playing at knuckle
نامه بگشادن چه دشوارست و صعب ** کار مردانست نه طفلان کعب
We have all become satisfied with (reading) the table of contents, because we are steeped in cupidity and vain desire.
جمله بر فهرست قانع گشته‌ایم ** زانک در حرص و هوا آغشته‌ایم
The table of contents is a snare for the vulgar, that they may think the text of the scroll is like that (table).1570
باشد آن فهرست دامی عامه را ** تا چنان دانند متن نامه را
Open the title-page, do not turn your neck aside from these words—and God best knoweth the right course.
باز کن سرنامه را گردن متاب ** زین سخن والله اعلم بالصواب
That title is like a declaration made by the tongue: examine the text of the scroll, namely, the bosom (your inward self),
هست آن عنوان چو اقرار زبان ** متن نامه‌ی سینه را کن امتحان
(And see) whether it is in agreement with your declaration, in order that your actions may not be hypocritical.
که موافق هست با اقرار تو ** تا منافق‌وار نبود کار تو
When you are carrying a very heavy sack, you must not fail to look into it,
چون جوالی بس گرانی می‌بری ** زان نباید کم که در وی بنگری
(To see) what of sour and sweet you have in the sack. If it is worth bringing along, bring it;1575
که چه داری در جوال از تلخ و خوش ** گر همی ارزد کشیدن را بکش
Otherwise, empty your sack of the stones (in it), and redeem yourself from this fruitless toil and disgrace.
ورنه خالی کن جوالت را ز سنگ ** باز خر خود را ازین بیگار و ننگ
Put in the sack that (only) which must be brought to righteous sultans and kings.
در جوال آن کن که می‌باید کشید ** سوی سلطانان و شاهان رشید
Story of the divine with a big turban and the man who carried it off, and how he (the divine) shouted, “Undo it and see what you are taking: then take it (if you wish)!”
حکایت آن فقیه با دستار بزرگ و آنک بربود دستارش و بانگ می‌زد کی باز کن ببین کی چه می‌بری آنگه ببر
A certain divine had collected some old rags and wound them in his turban,
یک فقیهی ژنده‌ها در چیده بود ** در عمامه‌ی خویش در پیچیده بود
In order that it might become big and look grand when he came into the assembly in the Hatím.
تا شود زفت و نماید آن عظیم ** چون در آید سوی محفل در حطیم
He had clipped the rags from (various) garments and outwardly embellished the turban with them.1580
ژنده‌ها از جامه‌ها پیراسته ** ظاهرا دستار از آن آراسته
The exterior of the turban was like a robe of Paradise, (but) it was shameful and ugly within, like the hypocrite.
ظاهر دستار چون حله‌ی بهشت ** چون منافق اندرون رسوا و زشت
Shreds of dalq (dervish-cloak) and cotton and fur were buried inside that turban.
پاره پاره دلق و پنبه و پوستین ** در درون آن عمامه بد دفین
He had set his face towards the college at dawn, that by means of this false dignity he might gain (material) blessings.
روی سوی مدرسه کرده صبوح ** تا بدین ناموس یابد او فتوح
A clothes-robber stood waiting on the dark road to practise his craft.
در ره تاریک مردی جامه کن ** منتظر استاده بود از بهر فن
He snatched the turban from his head, and then started to run in order that he might settle the business.1585
در ربود او از سرش دستار را ** پس دوان شد تا بسازد کار را
Thereupon the divine shouted at him, saying, “O son, undo the turban (first), then take it (away with you).
پس فقیهش بانگ برزد کای پسر ** باز کن دستار را آنگه ببر
Even as you are flying with four wings (very rapidly), (with the same speed) undo the gift which you are taking away.
این چنین که چار پره می‌پری ** باز کن آن هدیه را که می‌بری
Undo it and rub (feel) with your hand, then take it if you like: I sanction (that).”
باز کن آن را به دست خود بمال ** آنگهان خواهی ببر کردم حلال
When he who was fleeing undid it, a hundred thousand rags dropped on the road.
چونک بازش کرد آنک می‌گریخت ** صد هزاران ژنده اندر ره بریخت