Quatrain 39 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
فصل گل و طرف جویبار و لب کشتبا یک دو سه اهل و لعبتی حورسرشت
پیش آر قدح که بادهنوشان صبوحآسوده ز مسجدند و فارغ ز کنشت
Description:
A Note on this Rubai
This rubai is a classic example of Omar Khayyam's hedonistic philosophy and his skepticism towards religious dogma. It paints a vivid picture of enjoying life's simple pleasures in the company of beautiful women and good wine, while dismissing the constraints of religion.
English Translation
A more literal translation
The season of flowers, the bank of a stream, and the edge of a field,
With one, two, or three companions and a heavenly beauty,
Bring forth the cup, for the wine-drinkers of the morning,
Are free from the mosque and carefree from the synagogue.
A more poetic and interpretive translation
Beside the stream, 'midst flowers fair and bright,
With lovely damsels, joy and pure delight,
Let's raise a cup of wine, and carefree be,
From mosque and synagogue forever free.
A contemporary and informal translation
Springtime, a stream, hot babes, what a view,
Let's party all day, me and a few.
Pour the wine, let's forget about church,
And live life to the fullest, of course.
"فصل گل و طرف جویبار و لب کشت": This line sets a beautiful and idyllic scene, perfect for relaxation and enjoyment.
"با یک دو سه اهل و لعبتی حورسرشت": This line describes the ideal company for such a setting: beautiful women.
"پیش آر قدح که بادهنوشان صبوح": This line calls for wine, a symbol of pleasure and enjoyment.
"آسوده ز مسجدند و فارغ ز کنشت": This line explicitly states the freedom from religious constraints.
Themes and Interpretations
Carpe diem: The poem emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and enjoying life's pleasures.
Skepticism towards religion: Khayyam expresses doubt about the value of religious institutions and practices.
Hedonism: The poem celebrates the pleasures of the senses and the importance of living life to the fullest.
This rubai is a bold statement about the value of earthly pleasures and the limitations of religious belief. Khayyam's willingness to challengesocietal norms and his emphasis on the importance of living in the moment have made this rubai one of his most famous and controversial works.