Quatrain 26 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
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چون چرخ به کام یک خردمند نگشتخواهی تو فلک هفت شمر خواهی هشت
چون باید مرد و آرزوها همه هشتچه مور خورد به گور و چه گرگ به دشت
Description:
A Note on this Rubai
This rubai from Omar Khayyam is a profound meditation on the futility of human desires and the inevitability of death. It uses the imagery of the celestial spheres and the natural world to convey a sense of cosmic perspective.
English Translation
A more literal translation
Since the wheel of fortune has not turned to the liking of a wise man,
Whether you count seven or eight heavens, it matters not.
Since one must die, and all desires are vain,
What does it matter if an ant eats you in a grave or a wolf in the wilderness?
A more poetic and interpretive translation
Fate's wheel turns blind, regardless of the wise,
So count the heavens, seven, eight, or thrice.
For death awaits, and all our dreams must cease,
Whether ants or wolves devour our mortal lease.
A contemporary and informal translation
Life's not fair, no matter how smart you are,
So who cares how many planets are out there?
We all die in the end, that's a fact,
Whether eaten by ants or a hungry jack.
"چون چرخ به کام یک خردمند نگشت": This line expresses the idea that even the wisest people cannot control their fate.
"خواهی تو فلک هفت شمر خواهی هشت": This line refers to the concept of multiple heavens, suggesting that the number of heavens is irrelevant.
"چون باید مرد و آرزوها همه هشت": This line emphasizes the inevitability of death and the futility of human desires.
"چه مور خورد به گور و چه گرگ به دشت": This line highlights the idea that after death, the human body returns to nature and is consumed by animals.
Themes and Interpretations
The futility of human desires: The poem suggests that all human desires are ultimately meaningless in the face of death.
The inevitability of death: The poem emphasizes the universal nature of death and the impermanence of human life.
The indifference of the universe: The poem suggests that the universe is indifferent to the suffering of human beings.
This rubai is a powerful reminder of the fragility of human life and the importance of living in the present moment. It encourages us to let go of our attachments and to find peace in the face of uncertainty.