Quatrain 70 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
Quatrain 70 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
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بر من قلم قضا چو بی من رانند
پس نیک و بدش ز من چرا میدانند
دی بی من و امروز چو دی بی من و تو
فردا به چه حجتم به داور خوانند
Description:
A Note About This Quatrain
This particular rubai of Omar Khayyam is rich in philosophical and existential undertones, making a direct, literal translation quite challenging. The imagery of a pen writing one's fate, the concepts of good and evil, and the idea of judgment day contribute to the poem's depth and complexity.
English Translation
A more literal translation
The pen of fate drives me without my consent,
So why should they judge my good and evil intent?
Yesterday was without me, and today is without you and me,
So by what right will they summon me to judgment tomorrow?
A more poetic and interpretive translation
Fate's pen writes my story, I have no say,
Why judge my actions, good or bad today?
Yesterday passed without me, today without us two,
So what claim will they make when I face the final view?
A contemporary and informal translation
My fate's already written, no ifs, ands, or buts,
So why judge me for my little faults?
Yesterday's gone, and so will today,
So what's the point of judgment day?
"بر من قلم قضا چو بی من رانند": This line suggests that fate is in control and the speaker has no control over their destiny.
"پس نیک و بدش ز من چرا میدانند": This line questions the idea of being judged for one's actions if fate determines everything.
"دی بی من و امروز چو دی بی من و تو": This line emphasizes the impermanence of life and the idea that time passes without our control.
"فردا به چه حجتم به داور خوانند": This line challenges the concept of judgment day, questioning what basis there would be for judging someone.
Themes and Interpretations
The power of fate: The poem emphasizes the idea that fate is a powerful force that determines our lives.
The question of free will: The rubai challenges the concept of free will and raises questions about the nature of responsibility.
The impermanence of life: The poem highlights the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.
This rubai is a profound meditation on the human condition. The imagery of the pen of fate and the concept of judgment day create a power