Story.
شاعر: رومی
وزن: فاعلاتن فاعلاتن فاعلن (رمل مسدس محذوف یا وزن مثنوی)
صنف: مثنوی
(’Twas) even as (when) here the crafty Moghul said, “I am seeking a certain one of the Egyptians.
Bring the Egyptians together on this side, in order that he who is wanted may come to hand.”
Whenever any one came, he said, “’Tis not this one: oh, come in, sir, and sit in that corner,”
Till in this fashion they all were assembled, and they (the Moghuls) beheaded them by means of this trick.
(Through) the ill-starredness (which they incurred in consequence) of the fact that they would not obey God's summoner (and turn submissively) towards the call to prayer,
The invitation of the deceiver inveigled them. O righteous man, beware of the deceit of the Devil!
Hearken to the cry of the poor and needy, lest thine ear receive (with approval) the cry of a cunning rogue.
(Even) if the beggars (dervishes) are covetous and depraved, (yet) seek the man of heart (the spiritual man) amongst the gluttons.
At the bottom of the sea there are pearls (mingled) with pebbles: glories are (to be found) amidst shames.
The Israelites, then, bestirred themselves mightily, running betimes towards the maydán.
When he (Pharaoh) by cunning had brought them into the maydán, he displayed his face to them, looking very fresh (cheerful and gay).
He showed fondness and gave presents: that Emperor bestowed both gifts and promises.
After that, he said: “For your lives' sake, do ye all sleep in the maydán tonight!”
They answered him, saying, “We will do service (to thee): if thou desire, we will dwell here a month.”
