Quatrain 56 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
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آنها که کهن شدند و اینها که نواندهر کس به مراد خویش یک تک بدوند
این کهنهجهان به کس نماند باقیرفتند و رویم دیگر آیند و روند
Description:
A Challenge in Translating Omar Khayyam's Rubai
This particular rubai of Omar Khayyam is rich in philosophical and existential undertones, making a direct, literal translation quite challenging. The imagery of the old and the young, the concept of "one race" (yek tak), and the idea of the world continuing its cycle contribute to the poem's depth and complexity.
English Translation
A more literal translation
Those who have grown old and those who are young,
Each runs their own race.
This old world will remain for no one,
They have gone and will go, and others will come.
A more poetic and interpretive translation
The aged and the young, a ceaseless race,
Each seeking fortune, their unique place.
This world, so old, for none will stay,
As generations rise and pass away.
A contemporary and informal translation
The old and young, they're always on the run,
Each chasing dreams beneath the sun.
This world's been here forever, it's true,
But nothing lasts, it's nothing new.
"آنها که کهن شدند و اینها که نواند": This line highlights the contrast between the old and the young, emphasizing the passage of time.
"هر کس به مراد خویش یک تک بدوند": This line suggests that each individual is on their own journey in life, pursuing their own desires.
"این کهنهجهان به کس نماند باقی": This line emphasizes the impermanence of the world and the futility of trying to hold onto it.
"رفتند و رویم دیگر آیند و روند": This line reinforces the cyclical nature of life, with generations coming and going.
Themes and Interpretations
The cycle of life and death: The rubai emphasizes the inevitability of death and the cyclical nature of life.
The transience of life: The poem highlights the impermanence of all things and the futility of trying to hold onto worldly possessions or experiences.
Individualism: The idea of each person running their own race suggests that we are all on our own individual journeys.
This rubai is a profound meditation on the human condition. The imagery of the old and the young, combined with the concept of a never-ending race, creates a powerful visual representation of the passage of time and the inevitability of death.