Haven’t you read in the Traditions (of the Prophet), ‘Whoever digs a pit (for his brother will fall into it)’? Practise what you have read, O soul of your father!
من حفر برا نخواندی از خبر ** آنچ خواندی کن عمل جان پدر
This one judicial decision of yours was like this, for it has brought you a slap on the nape.
این یکی حکمت چنین بد در قضا ** که ترا آورد سیلی بر قفا
Alas for your other (unjust) decisions! (Consider) what (penalty) they will bring upon your head and feet.
وای بر احکام دیگرهای تو ** تا چه آرد بر سر و بر پای تو
From kindness you take pity on a wrong-doer, saying, ‘Mayst thou have three dirhems to spend (on food)!’
ظالمی را رحم آری از کرم ** که برای نفقه بادت سه درم
Cut off the wrong-doer’s hand: what occasion is there for you to put the control and reins in his hand?1575
دست ظالم را ببر چه جای آن ** که بدست او نهی حکم و عنان
O you from whom justice is unknown, you resemble the goat that gave her milk to the wolf-cub.”
تو بدان بز مانی ای مجهول‌داد ** که نژاد گرگ را او شیر داد
The Cadi’s reply to the Súfi.
جواب دادن قاضی صوفی را
The Cadi said, “It is our duty to acquiesce, whatever slap or cruelty the (Divine) destiny may bring to pass.
گفت قاضی واجب آیدمان رضا ** هر قفا و هر جفا کارد قضا
I am inwardly pleased with the decision (inscribed) in the (Heavenly) Scrolls, though my face has become sour—for Truth is bitter.
خوش‌دلم در باطن از حکم زبر ** گرچه شد رویم ترش کالحق مر
This heart of mine is an orchard, and my eye is like the cloud: (when) the cloud weeps the orchard laughs joyously and happily.
این دلم باغست و چشمم ابروش ** ابر گرید باغ خندد شاد و خوش
In a year of drought the orchards are reduced to death and agony by the sun laughing unconscionably.1580
سال قحط از آفتاب خیره‌خند ** باغها در مرگ و جان کندن رسند
You have read in God’s Commandment (the words) and weep ye much: why have you remained grinning like a roast (sheep’s) head?
ز امر حق وابکوا کثیرا خوانده‌ای ** چون سر بریان چه خندان مانده‌ای
You will be the light of the house, like the candle, if like the candle you shed showers of tears.
روشنی خانه باشی هم‌چو شمع ** گر فرو پاشی تو هم‌چون شمع دمع
The mother’s or father’s sourness of face preserves the child from every harm.
آن ترش‌رویی مادر یا پدر ** حافظ فرزند شد از هر ضرر
You have experienced the pleasure of laughing, O inordinate laugher: (now) experience the pleasure of weeping (and recognise) that it is a mine of sugar.
ذوق خنده دیده‌ای ای خیره‌خند ** ذوق گریه بین که هست آن کان قند
Since thinking of Hell causes weeping, therefore Hell is better than Paradise.1585
چون جهنم گریه آرد یاد آن ** پس جهنم خوشتر آید از جنان
In tears there are laughters concealed: seek treasure amidst ruins, O simple (sincere) man.
خنده‌ها در گریه‌ها آمد کتیم ** گنج در ویرانه‌ها جو ای سلیم
Pleasure is (concealed) in pains: the track has been lost, the Water of Life has been taken away into the (Land of) Darkness.
ذوق در غمهاست پی گم کرده‌اند ** آب حیوان را به ظلمت برده‌اند
On the way to the Caravanseray the shoes are upside down: make your (two) eyes to be (as) four in precaution (against being deceived).
بازگونه نعل در ره تا رباط ** چشمها را چار کن در احتیاط
Make your (two) eyes to be (as) four in careful consideration: join to your own eye (eyes) the two eyes of the Friend.
چشمها را چار کن در اعتبار ** یار کن با چشم خود دو چشم یار
Read in the pages (of the Qur’an) their affair is a matter for consultation: be (devoted) to the Friend and do not say to him disdainfully, ‘Fie!’1590
امرهم شوری بخوان اندر صحف ** یار را باش و مگوش از ناز اف
The Friend is the support and refuge on the Way: when you consider well; (you will see that) the Friend is the Way.
یار باشد راه را پشت و پناه ** چونک نیکو بنگری یارست راه
When you come into a company of friends, sit silent: do not make yourself the bezel in that ring.
چونک در یاران رسی خامش نشین ** اندر آن حلقه مکن خود را نگین
At the Friday prayer-service look well and attentively: (you will see that) all are concentrated and possessed by a single thought and silent.
در نماز جمعه بنگر خوش به هوش ** جمله جمعند و یک‌اندیشه و خموش
Direct your course towards silence: when you seek the marks (of the Way), do not make yourself a mark (for attention).
رختها را سوی خاموشی کشان ** چون نشان جویی مکن خود را نشان
The Prophet said, ‘Know that amidst the sea of cares (my) Companions are (as) stars in respect of guidance.’1595
گفت پیغامبر که در بحر هموم ** در دلالت دان تو یاران را نجوم