(Whilst) he was filling a basin in the bath, a jewel belonging to the King's daughter was lost.
اندر آن حمام پر میکرد طشت ** گوهری از دختر شه یاوه گشت
A jewel was lost from her ear-rings, and every woman (in the bath began to take part) in the search (for it).
گوهری از حلقههای گوش او ** یاوه گشت و هر زنی در جست و جو
Then they bolted the door of the bath (and made it) fast, in order that they might first look for the jewel in the folds of the furniture.
پس در حمام را بستند سخت ** تا بجویند اولش در پیچ رخت
They searched (all) these articles, but it was not brought to light (there), nor was any person who had stolen the jewel discovered either.
رختها جستند و آن پیدا نشد ** دزد گوهر نیز هم رسوا نشد
Then they began to search incontinently with all their might in the mouths and ears (of the bathers) and in every cleft.2250
پس به جد جستن گرفتند از گزاف ** در دهان و گوش و اندر هر شکاف
In rima inferiore et superiore and everywhere they searched for the pearl belonging to a beauteous oyster-shell. [In lower and upper (bodily) apertures and everywhere they searched for the pearl belonging to a beauteous oyster-shell.]
در شکاف تحت و فوق و هر طرف ** جست و جو کردند دری خوش صدف
Proclamation was made: “Strip, all (of you), whoever ye are, whether ye are old or young!”
بانگ آمد که همه عریان شوید ** هر که هستید ار عجوز و گر نوید
The lady-in-waiting began to search them, one by one, (in the hope) that the marvellous pearl might be discovered.
یک به یک را حاجبه جستن گرفت ** تا پدید آید گهردانهی شگفت
Nasúh, (stricken) with fear, went into a private place: his face (was) yellow (pale) and his lips blue on account of a (great) terror (which possessed him).
آن نصوح از ترس شد در خلوتی ** روی زرد و لب کبود از خشیتی
He saw death before his eyes: he went (to hide himself), trembling like a leaf.2255
پیش چشم خویش او میدید مرگ ** رفت و میلرزید او مانند برگ
He cried, “O Lord, many a time have I turned away (from evil courses) and (then) broken my vows of penitence and my promises.
گفت یارب بارها برگشتهام ** توبهها و عهدها بشکستهام
I have done the (foul) things that were fit to be done by me, so that such a black flood (of calamity) has arrived.
کردهام آنها که از من میسزید ** تا چنین سیل سیاهی در رسید
If my turn to be searched shall come, oh, what cruel sufferings must my soul endure!
نوبت جستن اگر در من رسد ** وه که جان من چه سختیها کشد
A hundred sparks of fire have fallen on my heart: perceive in my orisons the smell of my (burning) heart.
در جگر افتادهاستم صد شرر ** در مناجاتم ببین بوی جگر
May anguish like this not be the infidel's (portion)! I clutch the skirt of (Thy) mercy. Help, help!2260
این چنین اندوه کافر را مباد ** دامن رحمت گرفتم داد داد
Would that my mother had not borne me, or that a lion had devoured me in the pasture!
کاشکی مادر نزادی مر مرا ** یا مرا شیری بخوردی در چرا
O God, do Thou what is worthy to be done by Thee, for from every hole a snake is biting me.
ای خدا آن کن که از تو میسزد ** که ز هر سوراخ مارم میگزد
I have a soul of stone, and my heart is of iron, otherwise they would have turned into blood in this sorrow and lamentation.
جان سنگین دارم و دل آهنین ** ورنه خون گشتی درین رنج و حنین
The time presses and I have (only) one moment (left): act in kingly fashion, come to my aid!
وقت تنگ آمد مرا و یک نفس ** پادشاهی کن مرا فریاد رس
If Thou wilt cover me up (conceal my sin) this time, (henceforth) I repent of everything that ought not to be done.2265
گر مرا این بار ستاری کنی ** توبه کردم من ز هر ناکردنی
Accept my repentance this once more, that I may gird myself with a hundred belts for repentance.
توبهام بپذیر این بار دگر ** تا ببندم بهر توبه صد کمر
If I commit any fault (in keeping my vow) this time, then do not hearken again to my prayer and words (of entreaty).”
من اگر این بار تقصیری کنم ** پس دگر مشنو دعا و گفتنم
Thus was he moaning while a hundred tears flowed (from his eyes). “I have fallen,” he cried, “into the hands of the executioner and policeman.
این همی زارید و صد قطره روان ** که در افتادم به جلاد و عوان
Let no Frank die such a death: may no mulhid (Ismá‘ílí or ‘Assassin’) have (cause to make) this lamentation!”
تا نمیرد هیچ افرنگی چنین ** هیچ ملحد را مبادا این حنین
He was uttering cries of mourning over his soul, (for) he saw the face of Azrael (coming) nearer and nearer.2270
نوحهها کرد او بر جان خویش ** روی عزرائیل دیده پیش پیش