Quatrain 77 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
Quatrain 77 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
By
@hamed
در دهر هر آنکه نیمنانی دارد
از بهر نشست آشیانی دارد
نه خادم کس بود نه مخدوم کسی
گو شاد بزی که خوشجهانی دارد
Description:
A Note About This Quatrain
Who is the happiest in this world? Who has his basic needs fulfilled without the need of being slave to anyone (or work for someone) or have someone that works for him (because of responsibilities).
This particular rubai of Omar Khayyam is rich in philosophical and existential undertones, making a direct, literal translation quite challenging. The imagery of having half a loaf of bread, building a nest, and the concepts of servitude and freedom contribute to the poem's depth and complexity.
English Translation
A more literal translation
In this world, whoever has half a loaf of bread,
Has a nest to sit in.
Neither servant to anyone, nor master of anyone,
Live happily, for you have a good world.
A more poetic and interpretive translation
With half a loaf, a humble nest to keep,
Contentment's yours, and peaceful slumber deep.
Neither servant, nor master, you are free,
Enjoy this world, for it belongs to thee.
A contemporary and informal translation
If you've got a roof over your head and a little food,
You're pretty set, that's understood.
You're no one's slave, and no one's boss,
Just enjoy life and don't be a loss.
"در دهر هر آنکه نیمنانی دارد": This line emphasizes the simplicity of basic needs.
"از بهر نشست آشیانی دارد": This line suggests a sense of home and security.
"نه خادم کس بود نه مخدوم کسی": This line highlights the freedom from servitude.
"گو شاد بزی که خوشجهانی دارد": This line encourages a life of happiness and contentment.
Themes and Interpretations
Contentment:
The poem suggests that true happiness comes from contentment, rather than material wealth.
Independence: The rubai emphasizes the value of independence and freedom from servitude.
Simplicity of life: The poem celebrates the simple pleasures of life and the importance of basic needs.
This rubai is a profound meditation on the human condition. The imagery of a half-loaf of bread and a humble nest create a powerful visual representation of the simple joys of life and the importance of inner peace.