M1:1196 — حال آن کو قول دشمن را شنود / بین جزای آنک شد یار حسود

This beyt appears as an interjection, a moralizing aside by Rumi, right after the lion has been successfully lured by the rabbit towards the well. The rabbit, a symbol of cunning and guile, is leading the powerful lion to its doom. Rumi uses this moment to pause the narrative and reflect on the broader ethical lesson.

The 'foe' (دشمن) here primarily refers to the rabbit, who is acting as an enemy to the lion, despite appearing to be a guide. The 'envious' (حسود) can also be seen in the rabbit, whose cleverness is driven by a desire to outwit and destroy the more powerful creature. More broadly, Rumi extends this to any situation where one is swayed by the deceptive words of an adversary or by the counsel of someone driven by envy. The subsequent beyts (1197-1200) reinforce this warning, comparing the lion's folly to that of Pharaoh listening to Haman or Nimrod listening to Satan, and cautioning that an enemy's sweet words are poison and their kindness is wrath. The core Sufi lesson is discernment: recognizing the true nature of intentions, especially when veiled by apparent friendship or helpfulness, and understanding that heedlessness to such dangers leads to dire 'recompense' (جزا).