بخش 6 - صبر فرمودن خواجه مادر دختر را کی غلام را زجر مکن من او را بی‌زجر ازین طمع باز آرم کی نه سیخ سوزد نه کباب خام ماند

“Have patience,” said the Khwája: “tell him, ‘We will break off (the match) with him (the prospective bridegroom) and give her to you,’

That perchance I may banish this (hope) from his mind: watch and see how I will thwart him.

Gladden his heart and say, ‘Know for sure that our daughter is really your (destined) spouse.

O goodly wooer, we didn't know (that you desired her): (now), since we know (that), you are the most worthy.

Our fire is in our own hearth: Laylá (the bride) is ours, and you are our Majnún (bridegroom).’

(Tell him this) in order that happy fancies and thoughts may affect him: sweet thoughts make a man fat.

An animal is made fat, but (only) by fodder; man is fattened by honour and eminence.

Man is fattened through his ear; an animal is fattened through its gullet and by eating and drinking.”

The mistress said, “Such a vile disgrace! How indeed shall my lips move in this matter?

Why should I talk drivel like this for his sake? Let the devilish traitor die!”

“Nay,” replied the Khwája, “have no fear, but wheedle him, in order that his illness may depart from him by virtue of this sweet flattery.

Charge me with the task of thwarting him, O beloved, and let that spinner of fine yarns regain his health.”

When the mistress had spoken in this strain to the invalid, on account of his swagger there was no room for him on the earth.

He grew stout and fat and red(-cheeked), and bloomed like a red rose and gave a thousand thanks.

Now and again he would say, “O my mistress, (I am afraid) lest this may be a deception and trick.”

The Khwája gave a party and a feast, saying (to his guests), “I am making a match for Faraj,”

So that the company chaffed and quizzed (him) and said, “May your marriage be blessed, O Faraj!”

With the result that the promise seemed to Faraj more sure, and his illness vanished entirely and radically.

Afterwards, on the wedding-night, he (the Khwája) artfully dyed (the hands and feet of) a youth with henna, like (those of) a woman.

He decorated his fore-arms like (those of) a bride: then he displayed to him (Faraj) a hen, but (actually) he gave him a cock;

(For) he dressed the sturdy youth in the veil and robes of beautiful brides.

Quo tempore mos est sponsam cum conjuge in thalamo relinquere, (paterfamilias) candelam statim exstinxit: manebat Indus coram tali adulescente robusto et aspero.

Indulus clamorem et ululatum tollebat, (sed) tympanistarum causa nemo extra (thalamum) audiebat.

Tympana pulsata, manus complosae, virorum et feminarum clamores clamorem illius (pueri) clamitantis celabant.

(Adulescens) istum Indulum comprimebat usque ad diluculum: coram cane quid fiat sacco farinae?

At morning they brought the wash-basin and a big package (of clothes, etc.), and according to the custom of bridegrooms Faraj went to the bath.

He went to the bath, sorely troubled in soul, laceratus culum tanquam panni fornacatorum (bath- stokers).

From the bath he returned to the bridal chamber, a laughing-stock (to all): beside him sat the (Khwája's) daughter (dressed) like a bride.

Her mother (too) was sitting there to keep watch, lest he should make any attempt in the daytime.

He eyed her sulkily for awhile: then with both hands (spread) he gave her the ten (fingers).

“May no one,” he exclaimed, “live in wedlock with a nasty evil-doing bride like thee!

By day thy face is the face of fresh young ladies; noctu penis tuus turpis pejor est quam veretrum asini.”

Even so all the pleasures of this world are very delightful (when viewed) from a distance before the (actual) test.

Seen from a distance they appear (like refreshing) water, (but) when you approach (them) they are a mirage.

She (the World) is a stinking hag, though by reason of her great blandishments she displays herself like a young bride.

Hark! Do not be deceived by her rouge, do not taste her sherbet which is mixed with poison!

Have patience (self-restraint), for patience is the key to joy, lest like Faraj you fall into a hundred (grievous) straits.

Her (the World's) bait is visible, (but) her trap is hidden: at first (sight) her favours seem sweet to you.