گفت سیماهم وجوه کردگار ** که بود غماز باران سبزه‌زار

The Maker hath said, “Their mark is (on) their faces,” for the verdant orchard tells a tale of rain.

گر ببارد شب نبیند هیچ کس ** که بود در خواب هر نفس و نفس

If it rains during the night, no one sees (the rain), for (then) every soul and breath is asleep;

تازگی هر گلستان جمیل ** هست بر باران پنهانی دلیل 2725

(But) the freshness of every beauteous rose-garden is (clear) evidence of the rain (that was) hidden (from view).

ای اخی من خاکیم تو آبیی ** لیک شاه رحمت و وهابیی

(The mouse said), “O comrade, I am of the earth, thou art of the water; but thou art the king of mercy and munificence.

آن‌چنان کن از عطا و از قسم ** که گه و بی‌گه به خدمت می‌رسم

By way of (conferring) bounty and dispensing (favour) so act that I may attain to (the privilege of) serving thee early and late.

بر لب جو من به جان می‌خوانمت ** می‌نبینم از اجابت مرحمت

I am always calling thee on the river-bank with (all) my soul, (but) I never experience the mercy of response.

آمدن در آب بر من بسته شد ** زانک ترکیبم ز خاکی رسته شد

Entrance into the water is barred against me because my (bodily) frame has grown from a piece of earth.

یا رسولی یا نشانی کن مدد ** تا ترا از بانگ من آگه کند 2730

Use the aid either of a messenger or a token to make thee aware of my (piteous) cry.”

بحث کردند اندرین کار آن دو یار ** آخر آن بحث آن آمد قرار

The two friends debated on this (matter): at the close of the debate it was settled

که به دست آرند یک رشته‌ی دراز ** تا ز جذب رشته گردد کشف راز

That they should procure a long string, in order that by pulling the string the secret should be revealed.