بخش 82 - امتحان هر چیزی تا ظاهر شود خیر و شری کی در ویست

As regards this roof of light, be not content with one look: look (many) times, see, Are there any flaws?

Since He hath told you to look ofttimes at this goodly roof, as a man seeking faults,

You may know, then, how much seeing and discerning the dark earth needs, to gain approval.

In order that we may strain the pure (folk) from the dregs, how much tribulation must our minds endure!

The trials of winter and autumn, the heat of summer, spring like the spirit (of life),

Winds and clouds and lightnings—(all these are to the end) that (such) happenings may bring distinctions into view;

(To the end) that dust-coloured (dusky) earth may bring forth all that it holds in its bosom, (whether) ruby or stone.

Whatsoever this dark earth has stolen from the Treasury of God and the Sea of Bounty—

Providence, the (Divine) governor, says, “Tell the truth! Declare what thou hast carried off, hair by hair.”

The thief, that is, the earth, says, “Nothing, nothing!” The Governor (then) puts it to the torture.

Sometimes the Governor speaks to it with kindness (sweet) as sugar; sometimes he hangs it up (in the air), and does his worst,

In order that, between force and favour, those concealed things may be brought to sight through the fire of fear and hope.

Spring is the kindness of the Almighty Governor, and Autumn is God's intimidation and menace,

And Winter is the allegorical crucifixion, to the end that thou, O hidden thief, mayst be exposed.

Then (again), he that wages the (spiritual) warfare has at one time (joyous) expansion of heart, at another time (grievous) oppression and pain and torment,

Because this water and clay, which is (the stuff of) our bodies, is the denier (enemy) and thief of the light of (our) souls.

The High God lays upon our body, O man of fortitude, heat and cold and grief and pain,

Fear and hunger and impairment of wealth and body—all for the sake of the soul's coin being brought into sight (and use).

These threats and promises He hath sent forth on account of this good and evil which He hath mingled.

Inasmuch as truth and falsehood have been mingled, and the good and bad coin have been poured into the travelling-bag,

Therefore they need a picked touchstone, one that has undergone (many) tests in (assaying) realities,

Give him milk, O mother of Moses, and cast him into the water: be not afraid of (putting him to) the trial.

Whoever drank that milk on the Day of Alast distinguishes the milk (in this world), even as Moses (distinguished and knew his mother's milk).

If thou wishest fondly for thy child's discrimination (and recognition), suckle (him) now, O mother of Moses,

That he may know the taste of his mother's milk, and that his head may not sink to (desire and accept the milk of) a bad nurse.