How the jackal fell into the dyeing-vat and was dyed with many colours and pretended amongst the jackals that he was a peacock.
شاعر: رومی
وزن: فاعلاتن فاعلاتن فاعلن (رمل مسدس محذوف یا وزن مثنوی)
صنف: مثنوی
A certain jackal went into the dyeing-vat, stayed in the vat for a while,
And then arose, his skin having become particoloured, saying, ‘I have become the Peacock of ‘Illiyyín.’’
His coloured fur had gained a charming brilliance, and the sun shone upon those colours.
He beheld himself green and red and roan and yellow, (so) he presented himself (gleefully) to the jackals.
They all said, “O little jackal, what is the matter, that thou hast in thy head manifold exultation?
Because of exultation thou hast turned aside from us (with disdain): whence hast thou brought this arrogance?”
One of the jackals went to him and said, “O so-and-so, hast thou acted deceitfully or hast thou (really) become one of those whose hearts rejoice (in God)?
Thou hast acted deceitfully to the end that thou mayest jump on to the pulpit and by thy palaver give this folk (the feeling of) regret.
Thou hast striven much, (but) thou hast not felt any (spiritual) ardour; hence from deceit thou hast exhibited a piece of impudence.”
(Spiritual) ardour belongs to the saints and prophets; on the other hand, impudence is the refuge of every impostor;
For they draw the people's attention to themselves, saying, “We are happy (with God),” though within (at heart) they are exceedingly unhappy.
