Quatrain 76 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
Quatrain 76 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
By
@hamed
در دهر چو آواز گل تازه دهند
فرمای بتا که می بهاندازه دهند
از حور و قصور و ز بهشت و دوزخ
فارغ بنشین که آن هر آوازه دهند
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 the rose's song, the beloved's command, and the concepts of heaven and hell contribute to the poem's depth and complexity.
English Translation
A more literal translation
When in this world the fresh rose's song is heard,
Command, O beloved, that wine be poured.
Be free from houris, palaces, heaven and hell,
For they are all but empty promises.
A more poetic and interpretive translation
As nature's beauty blooms, and roses sing,
Let's drink to life, my love, and everything.
Forget the heavens, hells, and earthly bliss,
These are but tales, mere earthly phantasies.
A contemporary and informal translation
When spring arrives and flowers bloom so sweet,
Let's enjoy life and drink a toast, it's only right.
Don't worry about heaven, hell, or paradise,
Those are just stories, fairy tales, and lies.
"در دهر چو آواز گل تازه دهند": This line evokes the beauty and transience of life.
"فرمای بتا که می بهاندازه دهند": This line is a direct address to the beloved, asking for wine.
"از حور و قصور و ز بهشت و دوزخ": This line mentions the traditional rewards and punishments of afterlife.
"فارغ بنشین که آن هر آوازه دهند": This line dismisses these concepts as mere promises or stories.
Themes and Interpretations
Carpe diem: The poem encourages seizing the moment and enjoying life's pleasures.
Skepticism of the afterlife: The rubai expresses skepticism about the traditional concepts of heaven and hell.
The importance of earthly pleasures: The poem emphasizes the value of earthly pleasures and experiences.
This rubai is a profound meditation on the human condition. The imagery of the rose's song and the beloved's command create a powerful visual representation of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of enjoying the present moment.