Quatrain 130 from Rubiyat of Omar Khayyam
Quatrain 130 from Rubiyat of Omar Khayyam
By
@hamed
ماییم که اصل شادی و کان غمیم
سرمایهٔ دادیم و نهاد ستمیم
پستیم و بلندیم و کمالیم و کمیم
آئینهٔ زنگ خورده و جام جمیم
Description:
English Translation:
We are the source of joy and the wellspring of sorrow,
Having invested our all, we've laid a sorry foundation.
We are both lowly and exalted, perfect and flawed,
A tarnished mirror and a cup that shows the future's dawn.
Overall Theme:
This rubai seems to explore the complexities of human nature and the contradictions inherent in human existence. It suggests that humans are capable of both great joy and deep sorrow, and that we are constantly striving for perfection while remaining flawed. The imagery of the tarnished mirror and the Jamshid cup implies that humans have the potential for both self-awareness and self-delusion.
ماییم که اصل شادی و کان غمیم: "We are the origin of joy and the mine of sorrow." This line suggests the duality of human existence, where joy and sorrow are intertwined.
سرمایهٔ دادیم و نهاد ستیم: "We have given our capital and established our foundation." This could imply that humans have invested in their lives but have also laid the groundwork for their own downfall or destruction.
پستیم و بلندیم و کمالیم و کمیم: "We are low and high, perfect and imperfect." This line emphasizes the contradictions within human nature.
آئینهٔ زنگ خورده و جام جمیم: "We are a tarnished mirror and a cup of Jamshid." A "Jamshid" cup is a legendary cup that could reveal the future. This line suggests that humans are both flawed and capable of great insight.