Number 25

QitʿaIraqi style
English

Number 25

Long ago the wise ones said, those who were filled with wisdom: If you are seekers on the trail of truth, demand the thieves' guilt from the watchman himself. The king is the guardian of the poor, above all this blessed and fortunate king.
Explanation: The second couplet hints at satire: the watchman meant to stop thieves may share their guilt. The final praise of the king can be read as flattery or gentle irony.

Original · Persian

شمارهٔ ۲۵

پیش از این گفته اند اهل خرد که بحکمت بدند آکنده
جرم دزدان ز پاسبان طلبید گر شما طالبید و جوینده
پادشه پاسبان درویشست خاصه این پادشاه فرخنده