هم‌چو قومی که تحری می‌کنند ** بر خیال قبله سویی می‌تنند

(They are) like folk trying to find (the direction of the Ka‘ba) and (each) turning in a certain direction which they fancy is the qibla:

چونک کعبه رو نماید صبحگاه ** کشف گردد که کی گم کردست راه 330

When at dawn the Ka‘ba appears, it is discovered who has lost the (right) way;

یا چو غواصان به زیر قعر آب ** هر کسی چیزی همی‌چیند شتاب

Or like divers under the depth of the (sea)-water, every one (of whom) picks up something in haste:

بر امید گوهر و در ثمین ** توبره پر می‌کنند از آن و این

In hope of (getting) precious jewels and pearls, they fill their bags with that and this;

چون بر آیند از تگ دریای ژرف ** کشف گردد صاحب در شگرف

When they come up from the floor of the deep sea, the possessor of the great pearls is discovered,

وآن دگر که برد مروارید خرد ** وآن دگر که سنگ‌ریزه و شبه برد

And (also) the other who got the small pearls, and the other who got (only) pebbles and worthless shells.

هکذی یبلوهم بالساهره ** فتنة ذات افتضاح قاهره 335

Even thus in the Sáhira (place of Judgement) a shameful overwhelming tribulation will afflict them (the followers of phantasy).

هم‌چنین هر قوم چون پروانگان ** گرد شمعی پرزنان اندر جهان

Similarly, every class of people in the world are fluttering like moths round a candle.

خویشتن بر آتشی برمی‌زنند ** گرد شمع خود طوافی می‌کنند

They attach themselves to a fire and circle round their own candle

بر امید آتش موسی بخت ** کز لهیبش سبزتر گردد درخت

In the hope of (gaining) the blessed fire of Moses, by the flame whereof the tree is made more green (flourishing).