Quatrain 47 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
می نوش که عمر جاودانی این استخود حاصلت از دور جوانی این است
هنگام گل و باده و یاران سرمستخوش باش دمی که زندگانی این است
Description:
A Beautiful Invitation to Carpe Diem
This particular rubai by Omar Khayyam is a classic invitation to seize the day and enjoy life's pleasures. It's often translated and recited, and for good reason. Let's break down the translation and explore the underlying meanings.
English Translation
Literal Translation:
Drink, for this is eternal life.
Your reward from your distant youth is this.
It is the time of flowers, wine, and merry companions.
Be happy for a moment, for this is life.
Poetic Translation:
Drink deep, for this is life's eternity.
A youth's reward, a sweet reality.
'Midst flowers, wine, and friends so gay,
Be happy now, for this is all there'll be.
Contemporary Translation:
Let's drink and be merry, this is as good as it gets.
It's the payoff for those youthful bets.
With flowers, wine, and friends so bright,
Let's savor this moment, seize the night.
"می نوش که عمر جاودانی این است": This line suggests that the true and eternal life is found in the moment, in the act of drinking and enjoying life.
"خود حاصلت از دور جوانی این است": Here, Khayyam implies that the rewards of youth are found in the present moment, not in some distant future.
"هنگام گل و باده و یاران سرمست": This line paints a picture of a joyous gathering, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the company of friends.
"خوش باش دمی که زندگانی این است": This is a direct invitation to be happy, emphasizing that life is fleeting and should be cherished.
Themes and Interpretations
Carpe Diem: The most prominent theme is the idea of seizing the day and enjoying life's pleasures.
Hedonism: Khayyam often celebrates the pleasures of the senses, particularly wine, as a way to find meaning in life.
The transience of life: The poet reminds us of the fleeting nature of existence, urging us to make the most of our time.
In essence, this rubai is a celebration of life, a call to embrace the present moment, and a reminder that happiness is found in simple pleasures. It's a timeless message that resonates with people from all walks of life.