آدم أنبئهم بأسما درس گو ** شرح کن اسرار حق را مو به مو

Adam, inform them of the Names, give (them) teaching, explain the mysteries of God, hair by hair.

آن چنان کس را که کوته بین بود ** در تلون غرق و بی‏تمکین بود 3270

Such a person as is short-sighted, plunged in variability and without steadfastness,

موش گفتم ز انکه در خاک است جاش ** خاک باشد موش را جای معاش‏

I called a “mouse,” because his place is in the earth (of the body): earth is the place of living for the mouse.

راهها داند ولی در زیر خاک ** هر طرف او خاک را کرده ست چاک‏

He knows (many) ways, but (only) underground: he has pierced the earth in every direction.

نفس موشی نیست الا لقمه رند ** قدر حاجت موش را عقلی دهند

The mouse-soul is naught but a nibbler: to the mouse is given a mind proportionate to its need,

ز انکه بی‏حاجت خداوند عزیز ** می‏نبخشد هیچ کس را هیچ چیز

Because without need the Almighty God does not give anything to any one.

گر نبودی حاجت عالم زمین ** نافریدی هیچ رب العالمین‏ 3275

If the earth had not been needed by the (inhabitants of the) world, the Lord of all beings would not have created any (earth);

وین زمین مضطرب محتاج کوه ** گر نبودی نافریدی پر شکوه‏

And if this quaking earth had not needed mountains, He would not have created them sublime (as they are);

ور نبودی حاجت افلاک هم ** هفت گردون نافریدی از عدم‏

And if there had not been need of the heavenly spheres also, He would not have created from non-existence the Seven Skies.

آفتاب و ماه و این استارگان ** جز به حاجت کی پدید آمد عیان‏

The sun and moon and these stars—how did they come plain into view except through need?