کین همه اعجاز و کوشیدن چراست ** چون نخواهند این جماعت گشت راست
“For what reason is all this disablement (of them) and striving (to convert them), since this multitude will never become righteous? ”
امر آمد که اتباع نوح کن ** ترک پایان‌بینی مشروح کن
The (Divine) command came (to him), saying, “Follow Noah! Refrain from considering the end (of the matter) as it has been disclosed (to thee).
زان تغافل کن چو داعی رهی ** امر بلغ هست نبود آن تهی3585
Take no heed of that, since thou art one who calls (the people) to the (true) Way. The command, ‘Deliver the message,’ is there: it is not void (of meaning).”
کمترین حکمت کزین الحاح تو ** جلوه گردد آن لجاج و آن عتو
The least purpose (thereof) is that through this persistence of thine that obstinacy and rebellious pride (of the infidels) may be displayed,
تا که ره بنمودن و اضلال حق ** فاش گردد بر همه اهل و فرق
So that God’s showing the way (to some) and letting (others) be lost may become evident to all the followers of religious sects.
چونک مقصود از وجود اظهار بود ** بایدش از پند و اغوا آزمود
Inasmuch as the object of existence was the manifestation (of these two Divine attributes), it must be tested by means of exhorting (to obedience) and leading astray.
دیو الحاح غوایت می‌کند ** شیخ‌الحاح هدایت می‌کند
The Devil persists to (seducing to) error; the Shaykh persists in guiding aright.
چون پیاپی گشت آن امر شجون ** نیل می‌آمد سراسر جمله خون3590
When that grievous command (of God) proceeded step by step (pursued its course), the whole Nile was turned into blood from end to end,
تا بنفس خویش فرعون آمدش ** لابه می‌کردش دو تا گشته قدش
Till (at last) Pharaoh came in person to him (Moses), humbly entreating him, his tall figure bent double,
کانچ ما کردیم ای سلطان مکن ** نیست ما را روی ایراد سخن
And said, “O (spiritual) sovereign, do not that which we did we have not the face to offer words (of excuse).