چون سگ کهفی که از مردار رست ** بر سر خوان شهنشاهان نشست
As (for example) the dog of the Cave, which was freed from (eating) carrion and sat at the table of the (spiritual) emperors:
تا قیامت می‌خورد او پیش غار ** آب رحمت عارفانه بی تغار
Until the Resurrection, before the Cave it is drinking in gnostic wise without (any) pot the water of (Divine) mercy.
ای بسا سگ‌پوست کو را نام نیست ** لیک اندر پرده بی آن جام نیست210
Oh, there is many a one in a dog's skin, who hath no name (and fame), yet is not without that cup (of Divine knowledge) in secret.
جان بده از بهر این جام ای پسر ** بی جهاد و صبر کی باشد ظفر
Give thy life for this cup, O son: how may victory be (won) without (spiritual) warfare and patience?
صبر کردن بهر این نبود حرج ** صبر کن کالصبر مفتاح الفرج
To show patience for the sake of this is no hardship: show patience, for patience is the key to joy.
زین کمین بی صبر و حزمی کس نرست ** حزم را خود صبر آمد پا و دست
From this ambush none escaped without some patience and prudence: to prudence, indeed, patience is the foot and hand.
حزم کن از خورد کین زهرین گیاست ** حزم کردن زور و نور انبیاست
Exercise prudence in eating (and drinking), for this (food and drink) is poisonous herbage: to exercise prudence is the strength and light of the prophets.
کاه باشد کو به هر بادی جهد ** کوه کی مر باد را وزنی نهد215
He that jumps at every breath of wind is (like) straw, (but) how should the mountain attach any weight to the wind?
هر طرف غولی همی‌خواند ترا ** کای برادر راه خواهی هین بیا
On every side a ghoul is calling you—“Hark, O brother, (if) you wish (to find) the way, come (hither).
ره نمایم همرهت باشم رفیق ** من قلاووزم درین راه دقیق
I will show (you) the way, I will be your kind fellow-traveller, I am the guide (for you) on this intricate path.”