Quatrain 12 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
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ای چرخ فلک خرابی از کینهٔ توستبیدادگری شیوهٔ دیرینهٔ توست
ای خاک اگر سینه تو بشکافندبس گوهر قیمتی که در سینهٔ توست
Description:
A Note on this Rubai
The rubai presented here is another powerful example of Omar Khayyam's work. It's often interpreted as a critique of the universe or fate, and expresses a sense of frustration with the hardships of life.
English Translation
A more literal translation
O turning sky, all this ruin is from your malice,
Injustice is your ancient custom.
O earth, if your chest were to be split open,
How many precious gems are in your chest.
A more poetic and interpretive translation
Cruel fate, your malice fills the world with woe,
Injustice marks the path that you do go.
If you could pierce the earth, so hard and deep,
You'd find such treasure, secrets it would keep.
A contemporary and informal translation
You, the spinning world, cause nothing but pain,
Unfairness is all that you've ever known.
If we could open up the earth below,
We'd find such beauty, more than we could know.
"ای چرخ فلک خرابی از کینهٔ توست": This line directly addresses the sky or fate, accusing it of malice and causing destruction.
"بیدادگری شیوهٔ دیرینهٔ توست": This line reinforces the idea that injustice is a characteristic of the universe.
"ای خاک اگر سینه تو بشکافند": This line is a metaphor for the earth, suggesting that there is much hidden beneath the surface.
"بس گوهر قیمتی که در سینهٔ توست": This line implies that the earth, or perhaps life itself, contains great value and beauty, despite the suffering it causes.
Themes and Interpretations
Critique of fate: The poem expresses frustration with the apparent injustice of the universe.
The hidden value of life: Despite the hardships of life, the poet suggests that there is great beauty and value to be found.
The contrast between appearance and reality: The image of the earth containing hidden treasures suggests that there is more to life than meets the eye.
This rubai is a powerful meditation on the nature of suffering and the search for meaning in life. It invites us to question the reasons for our existence and to appreciate the beauty that can be found even in the midst of hardship.