بخش 12 - حکایت آن صیادی کی خویشتن در گیاه پیچیده بود و دستهٔ گل و لاله را کله‌وار به سر فرو کشیده تا مرغان او را گیاه پندارند و آن مرغ زیرک بوی برد اندکی کی این آدمیست کی برین شکل گیاه ندیدم اما هم تمام بوی نبرد به افسون او مغرور شد زیرا در ادراک اول قاطعی نداشت در ادراک مکر دوم قاطعی داشت و هو الحرص و الطمع لا سیما عند فرط الحاجة و الفقر قال النبی صلی الله علیه و سلم کاد الفقر ان یکون کفرا

A bird went into a meadow: there was a trap (set) for the purpose of fowling.

Some grain had been placed on the ground, and the fowler was ensconced there in ambush.

He had wrapped himself in leaves and grass, that the wretched prey might slip off from the path (of safety).

A little bird approached him in ignorance (of his disguise): then it hopped round and ran up to the man,

And said to him, “Who are you, clad in green in the desert amidst (all) these wild animals?”

He replied, “I am an ascetic severed (from mankind): I have become content (to live) here with some grass.

I adopted asceticism and piety as my religion and practice because I saw before me the appointed end of my life.

My neighbour's death had given me warning and upset my (worldly) business and shop.

Since I shall be left alone at the last, it behoves me not to become friendly with every man and woman.

I shall turn my face to the grave at the last: ’tis better that I should make friends with the One (God).

Since my jaw will (ultimately) be bound up, O worshipful one, ’tis better that I should jaw little (now).

O thou who hast learned to wear a gold-embroidered robe and a belt, at the last there is (only) the unsewn garment for thee (to wear).

We shall turn our faces to the earth whence we have sprung: why (then) have we fixed our hearts on creatures devoid of constancy (permanence)?

The four ‘natures’ are our ancestors and kinsfolk from of old, (yet) we have fixed our hopes on a borrowed (temporary) kinship.

During (many) years the body of Man had companionship and intimacy with the elements.

His spirit, indeed, is from the (world of) souls and intelligences, (but) the spirit has forsaken its origins.

From the pure souls and intelligences there is coming to the spirit a letter, saying, ‘O faithless one,

Thou hast found (some) miserable five-day friends and hast turned thy face away from thy friends of old.’

Although the children are happy in their play, (yet) at nightfall they are dragged off and taken home.

At play-time the little child strips: suddenly the thief carries off his coat and shoes.

He is so hotly engaged in play that his cap and shirt are forgotten.

Night falls, and his play becomes helpless (impossible): he has not the face to go home.

Have not you heard (the Verse) the present life is only a play? You have squandered your goods and have become afraid.

Look for your clothes ere night comes on: do not waste the day in (idle) talk.

I have chosen a (place of) seclusion in the desert: I have perceived that manking are stealers of clothes.

Half of life (is lost) in desire for a charming friend; (the other) half of life (is lost) in anxieties caused by foes.

That (desire) has carried off (our) cloak, this (anxiety) has carried off (our) cap, (while) we have become absorbed in play, like a little child.

Lo, the night-time of death is near. Leave this play: you have (played) enough, do not return (to it).

Hark, mount (the steed of) repentance, overtake the thief, and recover your clothes from him.

The steed of repentance is a marvellous steed: in one moment it runs from below up to heaven.

But always keep the steed (safe) from him who secretly stole your coat.

Lest he steal your steed also, keep watch over this steed of yours incessantly.”