بخش 13 - عذر خواستن آن عاشق از گناه خویش به تلبیس و روی پوش و فهم کردن معشوق آن را نیز

The lover said, “I made the trial—do not take offence—that I might see whether thou art a hetaera or a modest woman. I was knowing (it) without the trial, but how should hearing be the same as seeing?

Thou art I: every day I am making trial of myself in profit and loss (good and evil).

The prophets were put to the trial by their enemies, with the result that miracles were displayed by them.

I made trial of my own eye with light, O thou from whose eyes may the evil eye be far!

This world is as the ruin, and thou the treasure (buried there): if I have made investigation concerning thy treasure, be not aggrieved.

I recklessly committed such an indiscretion, that I may always boast (of thy virtue) to (thy) enemies;

So that, when my tongue bestows a name on thee, my eye may give testimonies of this which I have seen.

If I have sought to rob thee of thy honour I come, O Moon (of beauty), with sword and winding-sheet.

Do not cut off my feet arid head save with thine own hand, for I belong to this hand, not to another hand.

Thou art talking again of separation: do whatsoever thou wilt, but do not this!”

The way is now made (open for entering) into the realm of Discourse (Exposition); (but) ‘tis impossible to speak (on the subject), since there is no time (to do so at present).

We have told the husks (externals), but the kernel (the inner meaning) is buried; if we remain (alive), this will not remain (concealed) as it is now.