Rumi's Masnavi - Behold the state of him who hearkened to the words of his enemy, and the retribution of him who became the friend of the envious one

Behold the state of him who hearkened to the words of his enemy, and the retribution of him who became the friend of the envious one— 1190

حال آن کاو قول دشمن را شنود ** بین جزای آن که شد یار حسود

The state of a Pharaoh who hearkened to Haman, and the state of a Nimrod who hearkened to Satan.

حال فرعونی که هامان را شنود ** حال نمرودی که شیطان را شنود

Albeit the enemy speak to thee in friendly wise, know (his words to be) the snare, though he speak to thee of the grain (bait).

دشمن ار چه دوستانه گویدت ** دام دان گر چه ز دانه گویدت‌‌

If he give thee some candy, regard it as poison; if he do a kindness to thy body, regard it as cruelty.

گر ترا قندی دهد آن زهر دان ** گر به تن لطفی کند آن قهر دان‌‌

When the (Divine) destiny comes to pass, you see naught but the skin (outward appearance): you do not distinguish enemies from friends.

چون قضا آید نبینی غیر پوست ** دشمنان را باز نشناسی ز دوست‌‌

Since the case is thus, begin humble supplication; set about lamenting and glorifying (God) and fasting. 1195

چون چنین شد ابتهال آغاز کن ** ناله و تسبیح و روزه ساز کن‌‌

Lament continually, crying, “O Thou who well knowest the hidden things, do not crush us beneath the stone of evil contrivance.

ناله می‌‌کن کای تو علام الغیوب ** زیر سنگ مکر بد ما را مکوب‌‌

O Creator of the lion, if we have wrought currishness, do not set the lion (to spring) on us from this covert.

گر سگی کردیم ای شیر آفرین ** شیر را مگمار بر ما زین کمین‌‌

Do not give to sweet water the form of fire, do not put upon fire the form of water.

آب خوش را صورت آتش مده ** اندر آتش صورت آبی منه‌‌

When Thou makest (us) drunken with the wine of Thy wrath, Thou givest to things non-existent the form of existence.”

از شراب قهر چون مستی دهی ** نیستها را صورت هستی دهی‌‌