A more poetic and interpretive translation

With Venus shining bright, and moonlit night,
Nothing compares to wine's pure delight.

I ponder those who sell this nectar fine,
What greater joy could they possibly find?

A contemporary and informal translation

Since the stars shine bright above,
Nothing beats a good drink, full of love.

I wonder what the bartenders think,
Is there anything better than the drink they sink?

"تا زهره و مه در آسمان گشت پدید": This line sets a beautiful and romantic scene.

"بهتر ز می ناب کسی هیچ ندید": This line extols the virtues of wine, suggesting it is the pinnacle of earthly pleasures.

"من در عجبم ز می‌فروشان کایشان": This line introduces a philosophical question about the wine sellers.

"به زآن‌که فروشند چه خواهند خرید": This line asks what greater pleasure could these people possibly desire.

Themes and Interpretations

The joy of life:

The poem celebrates the simple pleasures of life, particularly the enjoyment of wine.
The nature of desire: The rubai raises questions about human desire and the pursuit of happiness.
The irony of existence: There's a hint of irony in the question of what the wine sellers desire, suggesting that those who provide pleasure may not always experience it themselves.

This rubai is a profound meditation on the human condition. The imagery of the celestial bodies and the concept of wine create a powerful visual representation of the pursuit of pleasure and the complexities of human desire.