بخش 59 - نوشتن آن غلام قصهٔ شکایت نقصان اجری سوی پادشاه

Cut short the discourse (on these topics) for the sake of (re turning to the story of) the slave who has written a message to the King

He is sending to the gracious King a statement filled with wrangling and self-conceit and hatred.

The body is (like) a letter: look into it (and see) whether it is worthy of the King; then take it (to Him).

Go into a corner, open the letter, read (it), see whether its‘ words are suitable to kings.

If it be not suitable, tear it in pieces and write another letter and remedy (the fault).

But do not think it is easy to open the letter which is the body; otherwise every one would plainly see the secret of the heart.

How hard and difficult is it to open the letter! ‘Tis a task for men, not for children playing at knuckle

We have all become satisfied with (reading) the table of contents, because we are steeped in cupidity and vain desire.

The table of contents is a snare for the vulgar, that they may think the text of the scroll is like that (table).

Open the title-page, do not turn your neck aside from these words—and God best knoweth the right course.

That title is like a declaration made by the tongue: examine the text of the scroll, namely, the bosom (your inward self),

(And see) whether it is in agreement with your declaration, in order that your actions may not be hypocritical.

When you are carrying a very heavy sack, you must not fail to look into it,

(To see) what of sour and sweet you have in the sack. If it is worth bringing along, bring it;

Otherwise, empty your sack of the stones (in it), and redeem yourself from this fruitless toil and disgrace.

Put in the sack that (only) which must be brought to righteous sultans and kings.