شحنه گاهش لطف گوید چون شکر ** گه بر آویزد کند هر چه بتر
Sometimes the Governor speaks to it with kindness (sweet) as sugar; sometimes he hangs it up (in the air), and does his worst,
تا میان قهر و لطف آن خفیهها ** ظاهر آید ز آتش خوف و رجا
In order that, between force and favour, those concealed things may be brought to sight through the fire of fear and hope.
آن بهاران لطف شحنهی کبریاست ** و آن خزان تخویف و تهدید خداست
Spring is the kindness of the Almighty Governor, and Autumn is God's menace and intimidation,
و آن زمستان چار میخ معنوی ** تا تو ای دزد خفی ظاهر شوی2960
And Winter is the allegorical crucifixion, to the end that thou, O hidden thief, mayst be exposed.
پس مجاهد را زمانی بسط دل ** یک زمانی قبض و درد و غش و غل
Then (again), he that wages the (spiritual) warfare has at one time (joyous) expansion of heart, at another time (grievous) oppression and pain and torment,
ز انکه این آب و گلی کابدان ماست ** منکر و دزد و ضیای جان ماست
Because this water and clay, which is (the stuff of) our bodies, is the denier (enemy) and thief of the light of (our) souls.
حق تعالی گرم و سرد و رنج و درد ** بر تن ما مینهد ای شیر مرد
The High God lays upon our body, O man of fortitude, heat and cold and grief and pain,
خوف و جوع و نقص اموال و بدن ** جمله بهر نقد جان ظاهر شدن
Fear and hunger and impairment of wealth and body—all for the sake of the soul's coin being brought into sight (and use).
این وعید و وعدهها انگیخته ست ** بهر این نیک و بدی کامیخته ست2965
These threats and promises He hath sent forth on account of this good and evil which He hath mingled.
چون که حق و باطلی آمیختند ** نقد و قلب اندر حرمدان ریختند
Inasmuch as truth and falsehood have been mingled, and the good and bad coin have been poured into the travelling-bag,