بیشتر زان ملک که اکنون داشتی ** کان بد اندر جنگ و این در آشتی2570
Greater than the empire of which thou art now in possession; for that was (whilst thou wert) at war (with God), and this (will be whilst thou art) at peace (with Him).
آنک در جنگت چنان ملکی دهد ** بنگر اندر صلح خوانت چون نهد
He who bestows on thee, (whilst thou art) at war, such an empire as this— consider how (bounteously) He will lay the table for thee (when thou art) at peace.
آن کرم که اندر جفا آنهات داد ** در وفا بنگر چه باشد افتقاد
That (Divine) bounty which gave thee those (goodly) things in thy unrighteousness—consider what will be (its) care (for thee) in thy faithfulness.”
گفت ای موسی چهارم چیست زود ** بازگو صبرم شد و حرصم فزود
“O Moses,” said he, “what is the fourth (promise)? Quickly declare (it): my patience is gone and my desire has waxed great.”
گفت چارم آنک مانی تو جوان ** موی هم‌چون قیر و رخ چون ارغوان
He said, “The fourth is that thou wilt remain (ever) young, (with) hair (black) like pitch and cheeks (pink) like the arghawán (flower of the Judas-tree).
رنگ و بو در پیش ما بس کاسدست ** لیک تو پستی سخن کردیم پست2575
To us (prophets) colour and perfume are very worthless, but thou art low, (so) we have made our words low.
افتخار از رنگ و بو و از مکان ** هست شادی و فریب کودکان
Boasting of colour and perfume and dwelling-place is a joy and deception (only) to children.
بیان این خبر کی کلموا الناس علی قدر عقولهم لا علی قدر عقولکم حتی لا یکذبوا الله و رسوله
[Explanation of the Tradition, "Speak ye unto men according to the measure of their understandings, not according to the measure of your understandings, so that God and His messenger may not be given the lie."]
چونک با کودک سر و کارم فتاد ** هم زبان کودکان باید گشاد
Since my business happens to be with a child, I must accordingly speak the language suited to children,
که برو کتاب تا مرغت خرم ** یا مویز و جوز و فستق آورم
Saying, ‘Go to school, that I may buy a bird for thee or bring (home) raisins and walnuts and pistachio nuts.’
جز شباب تن نمی‌دانی به کیر ** این جوانی را بگیر ای خر شعیر
Thou knowest only the youth of the body: take this youthfulness: take the barley, O ass!