A disciple is like a new moon,

In reality no different than the full moon:

Its apparent imperfection is a sign of grateful increase.

Night by night the newmoon gives a lesson in gradualness:

With deliberation it says, “O hasty one,

Only step by step can one ascend to the roof.”

A skillful cook lets the pot boil slowly;

The stew boiled in a mad hurry is of no use.

[Mathnawi VI, 1208-1212]