Quatrain 112 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Quatrain 112 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

By @hamed on July 27, 2024

Quatrain 112 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

By hamed @hamed

ای پیر خردمند پگه‌تر برخیز

و آن کودک خاکبیز را بنگر تیز

پندش ده گو که نرم نرمک می‌بیز

مغز سر کیقباد و چشم پرویز


Description:

A Note on this Rubai

English Translation:

Arise, O aged sage, with wisdom deep,
And gaze upon the child who tends the earth.

Advise him, say that time so softly creeps,
It grinds to dust the mighty of the earth.


hamed
@hamed July 27, 2024, 6:04 a.m.

Analysis of the Rubai

This quatrain offers a philosophical reflection on the passage of time and the impermanence of human power and glory.

The wise sage and the child: The contrast between the wise old man and the young child symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the passage of time.
The impermanence of power: The reference to Kay Kaus and Kay Khosrow, legendary Persian kings, highlights the idea that even the most powerful and influential figures are eventually consumed by time.
The passage of time: The phrase "so softly creeps" emphasizes the gradual but relentless nature of time's passage.

In essence, this rubai is a reminder that all human beings, regardless of their power or status, are ultimately subject to the passage of time.