هم عرب ما هم سبو ما هم ملک ** جمله ما يؤفک عنه من أفک
We are both the Arab and the jug and the King; we are all: he that has been turned away from it (the Truth) shall be turned away.
عقل را شو دان و زن را نفس و طمع ** این دو ظلمانی و منکر عقل شمع
Know that the husband is Reason, and this wife is the appetitive soul and cupidity: these twain are dark and deniers (of Reason); Reason is the (bright) candle.
بشنو اکنون اصل انکار از چه خاست ** ز آن که کل را گونه گونه جزوهاست
Now hear the origin of their denial, whence it arose: (it arose) from the fact that the Whole hath various parts.
جزو کل نی جزوها نسبت به کل ** نی چو بوی گل که باشد جزو گل2905
The parts of the Whole are not parts in relation to the Whole — (they are) not like the scent of the rose, which is a part of the rose.
لطف سبزه جزو لطف گل بود ** بانگ قمری جزو آن بلبل بود
The beauty of (all) green herbs is a part of the Rose's beauty, the coo of the turtle-dove is a part of that Nightingale.
گر شوم مشغول اشکال و جواب ** تشنگان را کی توانم داد آب
If I become occupied with a difficulty (difficult question) and the answer (explanation), how shall I be able to give water to the thirsty?
گر تو اشکالی به کلی و حرج ** صبر کن الصبر مفتاح الفرج
If you are wholly perplexed and in straits, have patience: patience is the key to joy.
احتما کن احتما ز اندیشه‌‌ها ** فکر شیر و گور و دلها بیشه‌‌ها
Abstain from (distracting) thoughts, abstain: thought is (like) the lion and the wild ass, and (men's) hearts are the thickets (which they haunt).
احتماها بر دواها سرور است ** ز آن که خاریدن فزونی گر است2910
Acts of abstinence are superior to medicines, because scratching is an increase (aggravation) of the itch.
احتما اصل دوا آمد یقین ** احتما کن قوت جان را ببین
Assuredly abstinence is the first principle of medicine: abstain, and behold the strength of thy spirit.