(Saying) that this discourse, namely, the Mathnawí, is low; (that) it is the story of the Prophet and (consists of) imitation;
کین سخن پستست یعنی مثنوی ** قصه پیغامبرست و پیروی
(That) there is no mention of (theosophical) investigation and the sublime mysteries towards which the saints make their steeds gallop;
نیست ذکر بحث و اسرار بلند ** که دوانند اولیا آن سو سمند
(That) from the stations of asceticism to the passing away (from self-existence), step by step up to union with God,4235
از مقامات تبتل تا فنا ** پایه پایه تا ملاقات خدا
(It contains not) the explanation and definition of every station and stage, so that by means of the wings thereof a man of heart (a mystic) should soar.
شرح و حد هر مقام و منزلی ** که بپر زو بر پرد صاحبدلی
When the Book of God (the Qur’án) came (down), the unbelievers railed likewise at it too,
چون کتاب الله بیامد هم بر آن ** این چنین طعنه زدند آن کافران
Saying, “It is (mere) legends and paltry tales; there is no profound inquiry and lofty speculation;
که اساطیرست و افسانهی نژند ** نیست تعمیقی و تحقیقی بلند
The little children understand it; ’tis naught but things approved and disapproved—
کودکان خرد فهمش میکنند ** نیست جز امر پسند و ناپسند
The account of Joseph, the account of his curly locks, the account of Jacob and Zalíkhá and her passion.4240
ذکر یوسف ذکر زلف پر خمش ** ذکر یعقوب و زلیخا و غمش
It is plain, and every one finds the way (to its meaning): where is the exposition in which the intellect becomes lost?”
ظاهرست و هرکسی پی میبرد ** کو بیان که گم شود در وی خرد
He (God) said, “If this seems easy to thee, say (compose) one Súra (in the style that is) so ‘easy’ as this (Qur’án).
گفت اگر آسان نماید این به تو ** این چنین آسان یکی سوره بگو