پس بود کالا شناسی سخت سهل ** چون که عیبی نیست چه نااهل و اهل2940
Then it would be very easy to know (the value of) goods: when there is no defect, what (is the difference between) the incompetent and the competent (appraiser)?
ور همه عیب است دانش سود نیست ** چون همه چوب است اینجا عود نیست
And if everything is faulty, knowledge is of no advantage: since everything here is (common) wood, aloes-wood is not (to be found).
آن که گوید جمله حقند احمقی است ** و انکه گوید جمله باطل او شقی است
He that says, “All are true”—’tis folly (on his part); and he that says, “All are false”—he is damned.
تاجران انبیا کردند سود ** تاجران رنگ و بو کور و کبود
Those who trade with the prophets have gained (thereby); those who trade with colour and scent (worldly vanities) are blind and blue (miserable).
مینماید مار اندر چشم مال ** هر دو چشم خویش را نیکو بمال
The snake (már) appears in the eye as riches (mál): rub both your eyes well!
منگر اندر غبطهی این بیع و سود ** بنگر اندر خسر فرعون و ثمود2945
Do not consider the happiness of this (worldly) traffic and profit: consider the perdition of Pharaoh and Thamúd.
امتحان هر چیزی تا ظاهر شود خیر و شری که در وی است
On making trial of everything, so that the good and evil which are in it may be brought to view.
اندر این گردون مکرر کن نظر ** ز انکه حق فرمود ثم ارجع بصر
Contemplate the sky repeatedly, for God hath said, Then turn thy gaze again (towards it).
یک نظر قانع مشو زین سقف نور ** بارها بنگر ببین هل من فطور
As regards this roof of light, be not content with one look: look (many) times, see, Are there any flaws?
چون که گفتت کاندر این سقف نکو ** بارها بنگر چو مرد عیب جو
Since He hath told you to look ofttimes at this goodly roof, as a man seeking faults,
پس زمین تیره را دانی که چند ** دیدن و تمییز باید در پسند
You may know, then, how much seeing and discerning the dark earth needs, to gain approval.