(Then) no traffic will be done by you, because the secret of these two aspects (possibilities) is in the Unseen.
هیچ بازرگانیی ناید ز تو ** زانک در غیبست سر این دو رو
The merchant of timid disposition and frail spirit neither gains nor loses in his quest;
تاجر ترسندهطبع شیشهجان ** در طلب نه سود دارد نه زیان
Nay, he suffers loss, for he is deprived (of fortune) and despicable: (only) he that is an eater of flames (ardent in search) will find the light.3090
بل زیان دارد که محرومست و خوار ** نور او یابد که باشد شعلهخوار
Inasmuch as all affairs turn upon hope, the affair of religion is most worthy (to inspire hope), for by this means you may win salvation.
چونک بر بوکست جمله کارها ** کار دین اولی کزین یابی رها
Here it is not permitted to knock at the door (with importunity); naught but hope (is permissible): God best knoweth the right course.
نیست دستوری بدینجا قرع باب ** جز امید الله اعلم بالصواب
Explaining how the faith of the conventional (worldly) man consists in fear and hope.
بیان آنک ایمان مقلد خوفست و رجا
The motive in every trade is hope and chance, even though their necks are (worn thin), like a spindle, from (incessant) toil.
داعی هر پیشه اومیدست و بوک ** گرچه گردنشان ز کوشش شد چو دوک
When he (the trader) goes in the morning to his shop, he is running (thither) in the hope and chance of (earning) a livelihood.
بامدادان چون سوی دکان رود ** بر امید و بوک روزی میدود
(If) you have not the chance of (earning) a livelihood, why do you go (to your shop)? There is the fear (danger) of disappointment: how (then) are you strong (confident)?3095
بوک روزی نبودت چون میروی ** خوف حرمان هست تو چونی قوی
In (the case of) earning food, how has the fear of eternal (eternally predestined) disappointment not made you feeble in your search?
خوف حرمان ازل در کسب لوت ** چون نکردت سست اندر جست و جوت
You will say, “Though the fear of disappointment is before (me), this fear is greater (when I am) in idleness.
گویی گرچه خوف حرمان هست پیش ** هست اندر کاهلی این خوف بیش