That simple Khwája was duped by form, for he was going to the country on (the strength of) infirm words (vain promises).
سغبه‌ی صورت شد آن خواجه‌ی سلیم ** که به ده می‌شد بگفتاری سقیم
(He was going) joyously towards the snare of that flattery, as a bird towards the bait of tribulation.
سوی دام آن تملق شادمان ** همچو مرغی سوی دانه‌ی امتحان
The bird deemed the bait a mark of kindness (on the part of the fowler), (although) that gift is (really) the extreme of cupidity and is not munificence;
از کرم دانست مرغ آن دانه را ** غایت حرص است نه جود آن عطا
(So) in desire for the bait the little birds are merrily flying and running towards that imposture.
مرغکان در طمع دانه شادمان ** سوی آن تزویر پران و دوان
If I acquaint thee (fully) with the joy of the Khwája, I fear, O wayfarer, lest I make thee late.585
گر ز شادی خواجه آگاهت کنم ** ترسم ای ره‌رو که بیگاهت کنم
I will abridge. When the village came in sight, it was not in sooth that village (which he was seeking), (so) he chose another road.
مختصر کردم چو آمد ده پدید ** خود نبود آن ده ره دیگر گزید
For about a month they were hurrying from village to village, because they did not well know the way to the (countryman's) village.
قرب ماهی ده بده می‌تاختند ** زانک راه ده نکو نشناختند
If anybody goes on the way without a leader, every two days' journey becomes one of a hundred years.
هر که در ره بی قلاوزی رود ** هر دو روزه راه صدساله شود
Whoever speeds towards the Ka‘ba without a guide becomes contemptible, like these bewildered men.
هر که تازد سوی کعبه بی دلیل ** همچو این سرگشتگان گردد ذلیل
Whoever takes up a trade (or profession) without (having) a teacher becomes a laughing-stock in town and country.590
هر که گیرد پیشه‌ای بی‌اوستا ** ریش‌خندی شد بشهر و روستا