Poem

This is a poem that was written in two languages. English and possibly Persian. It's difficult to read some of the writing so I may have a few words wrong but I still thought this was a beautiful poem. It's also important to note that I knew someone at work that was able to translate the Persian and it is exactly the same thing. She also said that the originator of the poem, Sa'adi, is a very famed poet from a long time ago, from what she could remember.

At the back of the paper is written:

Presented --

to the esteemed lady
Mrs. Thomas Mack

by

Ali Kuli Khan
Christmas, 1905

Story of the Pearl
by Sa'adi

From a cloud there descended
a droplet of rain;

Twas ashamed when it saw
the expanse of the main.

Saying -- "Who may I be, where
the sea has its run?

If the sea has existence, I truly
have none!"

Since in its own eyes the drop
humbled appeared,

In its bosom, a shell (inside?)
its life the drop reared;

The sky brought the (work?)
with success to a close.

And a famed royal Pearl
from the rain-drop arose.

Because it was humble
it excellened gained.

Politely waiting till
success was obtained.