Quatrain 35 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
Quatrain 35 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
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در فصل بهار اگر بتی حور سرشت
یک ساغر می دهد مرا بر لب کشت
هر چند به نزد عامه این باشد زشت
سگ به ز من است اگر برم نام بهشت
Description:
A Note on this Rubai
This rubai from Omar Khayyam is a bold and provocative statement about the value of earthly pleasures compared to the promises of an afterlife. It's a classic example of Khayyam's hedonistic philosophy and his skepticism towards religious dogma.
English Translation
A more literal translation
If in the spring a heavenly beauty hands me a cup of wine,
To my lips, pressed against the earth,
Although this may seem ugly to the common people,
I would rather be a dog than claim the name of paradise.
A more poetic and interpretive translation
Should spring bring forth a beauty, heavenly fair,
And offer me a cup of wine to share,
Though the world may scorn such earthly delight,
I'd rather be a dog than claim heaven's light.
A contemporary and informal translation
If a hot babe hands me a drink in the spring,
I'll take a big swig, and let the good times ring.
Even if people think it's wrong and mean,
I'd rather be a dog than go to heaven, I mean.
"در فصل بهار اگر بتی حور سرشت": This line sets the scene, describing a beautiful woman offering wine in the springtime.
"یک ساغر می دهد مرا بر لب کشت": This line describes the act of drinking wine, with the wine being pressed against the earth, symbolizing earthly pleasures.
"هر چند به نزد عامه این باشد زشت": This acknowledges that such behavior might be considered sinful or immoral by society.
"سگ به ز من است اگر برم نام بهشت": This is the crux of the rubai, where Khayyam boldly asserts that he would rather be a dog than claim the rewards of heaven if it meant denying himself earthly pleasures.
Themes and Interpretations
Carpe diem: The poem emphasizes the importance of enjoying life in the present moment.
Skepticism towards religion: Khayyam expresses doubt about the existence of an afterlife and the rewards promised by religion.
Hedonism: The poem celebrates the pleasures of the senses and the importance of living life to the fullest.
This rubai is a powerful statement about the value of earthly pleasures and the limitations of religious belief. Khayyam's willingness to challenge societal norms and his emphasis on the importance of living in the moment have made this rubai one of his most famous and controversial works.