How the Arab delivered the gift, that is, the jug to the Caliph's servants.

He presented the jug of water, he sowed the seed of homage in that (exalted) court.

“Bear this gift,” said he, “to the Sultan, redeem the King's suitor from indigence.

’Tis sweet water and a new green jug—some of the rain-water that collected in the ditch.”

The officials smiled at that, but they accepted it (the jug) as (though it were precious as) life,

Because the graciousness of the good and wise King had made a mark (impressed itself) on all the courtiers.

The disposition of kings settles (becomes implanted) in their subjects: the green sky makes the earth verdant.

Regard the king as a reservoir with pipes in every direction, and water running from all (the pipes) like hoppers (in a mill).

When the water in all (the pipes) is from a pure reservoir, every single one gives sweet water, pleasant to taste;

But if the water in the reservoir is brackish and dirty, every pipe brings the same to view,

Because every pipe is connected with the reservoir. Dive, dive into (ponder deeply) the meaning of these words.

(Consider) how the imperial grace of the homeless Spirit has produced effects on the whole body;

How the grace of Reason, which is of goodly nature, of goodly lineage, brings the entire body into discipline;

How Love, saucy, uncontrolled, and restless, throws the whole body into madness.

The purity of the water of the Sea that is like Kawthar (is such that) all its pebbles are pearls and gems.

For whatever science the master is renowned, the souls of his pupils become endued with the same.

With the master-theologian the quick and industrious pupil reads (scholastic) theology.

With the master-jurist the student of jurisprudence reads jurisprudence, when he (the teacher) expounds it, not theology.

Then the master who is a grammarian—the soul of his pupil becomes imbued by him with grammar.

Again, the master who is absorbed in the Way (of Súfism)— because of him the soul of his pupil is absorbed in the King (God).

Of all these various kinds of knowledge, on the day of death the (best) equipment and provision for the road is the knowledge of (spiritual) poverty.