How the explanation of the (inner) meaning of the tale was stopped because of the hearer's desire to hear the superficial form of it.
When will He who is envied by Light allow me to tell that which is obligatory and ought to be told?
The sea casts foam in front (of it) and makes a barrier: it draws back and after drawing back flows in (again).
Hear what has interfered (hindered my exposition) at the present time: methinks the hearer's mind has wandered elsewhere.
His thoughts have turned to the Súfí guest: he is sunk up to the neck (wholly absorbed) in that business.
(Therefore) it behoves me to go back from this discourse to that story in order to describe what happened (to him).
O dear friend, do not fancy the Súfí is the (external) form (which you behold): how long, like children, (will you be content) with walnuts and raisins?
Our body is (as) walnuts and raisins, O son; if you are a man, relinquish these two things;
And (even) if you do not relinquish them (by your own act), the grace of God will enable you to pass beyond the nine tiers (of Heaven).
Now listen to the outward form of the tale, but take heed to separate the grain from the chaff.
