How long will you steal the words of the men of God, that you may sell (them) and obtain applause (from the crowd)?
رنگ بر بسته ترا گلگون نکرد ** شاخ بر بسته فن عرجون نکرد
The daubed-on colour never made you (really) rosy; the tied-on bough never performed the function of the (fruit-bearing) stump (from which the dates are cut off).
عاقبت چون چادر مرگت رسد ** از رخت این عشرها اندر فتد
At last, when the veil of death comes over you, these bits of the Book drop away from your face.
چونک آید خیزخیزان رحیل ** گم شود زان پس فنون قال و قیل 1285
When the call comes to arise and depart, thereafter (all) the arts of disputation vanish.
عالم خاموشی آید پیش بیست ** وای آنک در درون انسیش نیست
The world of silence comes into view. Stop (talking)! Alas for him that hath not a familiarity (with silence) within him!
صیقلی کن یک دو روزی سینه را ** دفتر خود ساز آن آیینه را
Polish your breast (heart) for a day or two: make that mirror your book (of meditation),
که ز سایه‌ی یوسف صاحب‌قران ** شد زلیخای عجوز از سر جوان
For from (seeing) the reflexion of the imperial Joseph old Zalíkhá became young anew.
می‌شود مبدل به خورشید تموز ** آن مزاح بارد برد العجوز
The chilly temperature of “the old woman's cold spell” is changed (into heat) by the sun of Tamúz (July).
می‌شود مبدل بسوز مریمی ** شاخ لب خشکی به نخلی خرمی 1290
A dry-lipped bough is changed into a flourishing palm-tree by the burning (anguish) of a Mary.
ای عجوزه چند کوشی با قضا ** نقد جو اکنون رها کن ما مضی
O (you who are like the) old woman, how long will you strive with the (Divine) destiny? Seek the cash now: let bygones be.