How the man yielded to his wife's request that he should seek the means of livelihood, and regarded her opposition (to him) as a Divine indication. (Verse): To the mind of every knowing man it is a fact that with the revolving object there is one that causes it to revolve.

The man became as sorry for that speech (of his) as at the hour of death a tyrannical officer (is sorry) for his tyranny.

He said, “How did I become the adversary of (her who is) the life of my soul? How did I bestow kicks on the head of my soul?”

When the (Divine) destiny comes, it muffles the sight, so that our intellect cannot distinguish foot from head.

As soon as the destiny is past, it (the intellect) devours itself (with grief): rending the veil (without regard for appearances), it tears its bosom.

The man said, “O wife, I am repenting: if I have been an infidel, I will (now) become a Moslem.

I am a sinner against thee: have mercy, do not dig me up all at once from root and foundation (do not bring me to utter ruin).”

If the old infidel is repenting, he becomes a Moslem when he pleads for pardon.

He (God) is the merciful and bountiful Lord: both existence and non-existence are in love with Him.

(Both) infidelity and faith are lovers of that Majesty, both copper and silver are slaves to that Elixir.