Number 23

Iraqi style
English

Number 23

If the poor person looks worthless in your eyes, don't be shortsighted, for there are jewels hidden inside plain stone. The musk pod's leather is cheap and stained, yet people value it because it is full of the finest fragrant musk.
Explanation: The 'nafe' is the musk deer's scent gland, whose ugly, dirty exterior conceals precious perfume; a classic Persian image for hidden inner worth.

Original · Persian

شمارهٔ ۲۳

در چشمت ار حقیر بود صورت فقیر کوته نظر مباش که در سنگ گوهرست
کیمخت نافه را که حقیرست و شوخگن قیمت بدان کنند که پر مشک اذفرست