(Showing) how the housewife made apologies to the chickpea, and (explaining) the wise purpose in her keeping the chickpea on the boil.

The dame says to it, “Formerly I, like thee, was a part of the earth.

After I had drunk a (cup of) fiery self-mortification, then I became an acceptable and worthy one.

For a long while, I boiled in (the world of) Time; for another long while, in the pot of the body.

By reason of these two boilings I became (a source of) strength to the senses: I became (animal) spirit: then I became thy teacher.

(Whilst I was) in the inanimate state I used to say (to myself), ‘Thou art running (to and fro in agitation) to the end that thou mayst become (endued with) knowledge and spiritual qualities.’

Since I have become (animal) spirit, now (let me) boil once more and pass beyond animality.”

Beseech God continually that you may not stumble over these deep sayings and that you may arrive at the (journey's) end,

For many have been led astray by the Qur’án: by (clinging to that rope a multitude have fallen into the well.

There is no fault in the rope, O perverse man, inasmuch as you had no desire for (reaching) the top.