Quatrain 147 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, particularly Quatrain 147, challenges the idea of achieving paradise solely through a life of self-denial. The poem suggests that if indulging in earthly pleasures like wine and companionship leads to damnation, then true paradise might be elusive for all. Let's explore this concept further by first reading the poem in its original Persian, followed by its translation.

می خوردن و گرد نیکوان گردیدن
به زانکه به رزق زاهدی ورزیدن

گر عاشق و مست دوزخی خواهد بود
پس روی بهشت کس نخواهد دیدن

To drink wine and mingle with the virtuous, Is better than to earn a living from the ascetic's livelihood.
If the lover and the drunkard are destined for hell, Then no one will ever see the face of the paradise.
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