He is alone, (and yet) he has hung a Book (on the wall). I am not (so) unmannerly or muddled (in my wits)
اوست تنها مصحفی آویخته ** من نیم گستاخ یا آمیخته
As to ask (him the reason). Nay, hush! I will be patient, in order that by patience I may gain my object.”1840
تا بپرسم نه خمش صبری کنم ** تا به صبری بر مرادی بر زنم
He showed patience and was in a quandary for some time, (till at last) it (the secret) was disclosed, for patience is the key to joy (relief).
صبر کرد و بود چندی در حرج ** کشف شد کالصبر مفتاح الفرج
How Luqmán, when he saw David, on whom be peace, making (iron) rings, refrained from questioning him, with the intention that this act of self-control should be the cause of relief (from perplexity).
صبرکردن لقمان چون دید کی داود حلقهها میساخت از سال کردن با این نیت کی صبر از سال موجب فرج باشد
Luqmán went to David, the pure of heart, and observed that he was making rings of iron,
رفت لقمان سوی داود صفا ** دید کو میکرد ز آهن حلقهها
(And) that the exalted King was casting all the steel rings into each other.
جمله را با همدگر در میفکند ** ز آهن پولاد آن شاه بلند
He had not seen the armourer's handicraft (before), (so) he remained in astonishment and his curiosity increased—
صنعت زراد او کم دیده بود ** درعجب میماند وسواسش فزود
“What can this be? I will ask him what he is making with the interfolded rings.”1845
کین چه شاید بود وا پرسم ازو ** که چه میسازی ز حلقه تو بتو
Again he said to himself, “Patience is better: patience is the quickest guide to the object of one's quest.”
باز با خود گفت صبر اولیترست ** صبر تا مقصود زوتر رهبرست
When you ask no question, the sooner will it (the secret) be disclosed to you: the bird, patience, flies faster than all (others);
چون نپرسی زودتر کشفت شود ** مرغ صبر از جمله پرانتر بود
And if you ask, the more slowly will your object be gained: what is easy will be made difficult by your impatience.
ور بپرسی دیرتر حاصل شود ** سهل از بی صبریت مشکل شود