گفت لا حول این چه افزون گفتن است ** از قدیم این کارها کار من است‏

“Good gracious!” he replied, “why this saying overmuch? These things have been my care since long ago.”

گفت تر کن آن جوش را از نخست ** کان خر پیر است و دندانهاش سست‏

The Súfí said, “First wet his barley, for ’tis an old ass, and his teeth are shaky.”

گفت لاحول این چه می‏گویی مها ** از من آموزند این ترتیبها

“Good gracious!” said he, “why are you telling (me) this, Sir? They are taught by me (to make) these arrangements.”

گفت پالانش فرو نه پیش پیش ** داروی منبل بنه بر پشت ریش‏

The Súfí said, “First of all take off his saddle and (then) put the salve of manbal on his sore back.”

گفت لاحول آخر ای حکمت گزار ** جنس تو مهمانم آمد صد هزار 210

“Good gracious!” exclaimed the servant. “Why, O purveyor of wisdom, I have had a thousand guests of your sort,

جمله راضی رفته‏اند از پیش ما ** هست مهمان جان ما و خویش ما

And all have departed from us well-pleased: the guest is (dear to us as) our life and our kinsman.”

گفت آبش ده و لیکن شیر گرم ** گفت لاحول از توام بگرفت شرم‏

The Súfí said, “Give him water, but (let it be) lukewarm.” “Good gracious!” cried the other, “I am ashamed of you.”

گفت اندر جو تو کمتر کاه کن ** گفت لاحول این سخن کوتاه کن‏

The Súfí said, “Put (only) a little straw in his barley.” “Good gracious! Cut short this speech,” he replied.

گفت جایش را بروب از سنگ و پشک ** ور بود تر ریز بر وی خاک خشک‏

The Súfí said, “Sweep his place (clear) of stones and dung, and if it is wet, sprinkle dry earth on it.”

گفت لاحول ای پدر لاحول کن ** با رسول اهل کمتر گو سخن‏ 215

“Good gracious!” cried he, “implore God's grace, O father and say little (give few instructions) to a messenger who knows his business.”