M4:1408 — که برآیم بر سر کوه مشید / منت نوحم چرا باید کشید

This beyt is spoken from the perspective of the nafs (the lower self or ego), which is characterized by 'cleverness' (zireki) as opposed to 'love' (ishq). Rumi has just warned against this 'cleverness,' likening it to swimming in a dangerous sea where one is likely to drown. He contrasts it with 'love,' which is like a ship that offers safety. The story of Noah's Ark is a powerful metaphor for divine guidance and the necessity of submitting to a spiritual path or a guide to navigate life's perils. The 'fortified mountain' (kuh-e mashid) represents a false sense of security derived from one's own intellect or worldly strength. The ego, full of pride, believes it can scale any height and overcome any challenge independently, thus refusing to accept the 'obligation' or 'favor' (minnat) of Noah, which signifies the grace and guidance of a prophet or a perfect master. This rejection of help ultimately leads to destruction, just as Noah's son Canaan, who boasted of climbing a mountain to escape the flood, was ultimately drowned.