Illuminated Frontispiece — Bustan of Sa'di

Translation

In the name of the God who created the world,
(The) Wise One who created speech on the tongue.
The Generous Lord, the Helper,
The Merciful, who forgives sins and accepts apologies.
The dear One from whose door whoever turned his head away,
Found no honor at any door he turned to.
The heads of the proud kings,
Are in supplication on the ground at His threshold.
There is no guardian at His door ever,
And no gatekeeper for His palace and hall.
Acquire, O friend, a complete treasure,
Which they see in sleep, and in non-toil and common.
And if you know one dirham of effort and knowledge,
That it is a treasure, and before and in non-knowledge.
If you are a 'Bustan' (orchard) of [wisdom],
Great is the creation from the door of desire.