The wise one does not indulge the vain desires of the self,
so the mind stays clear and craves nothing.
If you do not fill the pitcher up to its neck,
nothing will pour out demanding through its spout.
Explanation: The pitcher filled to overflowing is a metaphor for a self stuffed with desire: keep it moderate and no craving spills out. 'Rana' here suggests a showy, self-flattering appetite.
Original · Persian
رباعی شمارهٔ ۲۳
فرزانه رضای نفس رعنا نکند
تا خیره نگردد و تمنا نکند
ابریق اگر آب تا به گردن نکنی
بیرون شدن از لوله تقاضا نکند