Quatrain 80 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
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@hamed
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28
7
زآن پیش که بر سرت شبیخون آرند
فرمای که تا بادهٔ گلگون آرند
تو زر نهای ای غافل نادان که تو را
در خاک نهند و باز بیرون آرند
Description:
A Note About This Quatrain
The imagery of a sudden attack, the pouring of wine, and the comparison of humans to gold contribute to the poem's depth and complexity.
English Translation
A more literal translation
Before the night raid comes upon your head,
Command that the rosy wine be brought.
You are not gold, O heedless fool, that you will be
Buried in the earth and then dug up again.
A more poetic and interpretive translation
Ere darkness falls and steals your precious breath,
Command the wine, a goblet full of death.
You're not pure gold, to be preserved from time,
For you'll be buried, lost to every clime.
A contemporary and informal translation
Before life's over and it's too late,
Enjoy a drink, celebrate your fate.
You're not immortal, don't be a fool,
You'll be buried, just like any other tool.
"زآن پیش که بر سرت شبیخون آرند": This line refers to the inevitability of death, comparing it to a sudden attack.
"فرمای که تا بادهٔ گلگون آرند": This line is a direct command to bring wine.
"تو زر نهای ای غافل نادان که تو را": This line compares humans to base metals, not precious gold.
"در خاک نهند و باز بیرون آرند": This line refers to the cycle of life and death, and the idea that humans are buried in the earth.
Themes and Interpretations
Carpe diem: The poem encourages seizing the moment and enjoying life's pleasures.
The transience of life: The rubai emphasizes the impermanence of human life.
The futility of worldly possessions: The poem suggests that material wealth is ultimately meaningless.
This rubai is a profound meditation on the human condition. The imagery of the night raid and the gold create a powerful visual representation of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of finding joy in the present moment.