The Rubaiyat  Depending on the sources of reference that one chooses, Omar Khayyam is believed to have composed somewhere between 200 and 600 Rubaiyat (quatrains). Some are known to be authentic and are attributed to him, while others seem to be combinations or corruption of his poetry, and whose origins are more dubious.
The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam is among the few masterpieces that has been translated into most languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Hindi, Arabic, and Urdu.
The most famous translation of the Rubaiyat from Farsi into English was undertaken in 1859 by Edward J. Fitzgerald. It appears that in many of his translations, he has combined a few of the Rubaiyat to compose one, and sometimes it is difficult to trace and correspond the original to the translated version. However, he has tried his utmost to adhere to the spirit of the original poetry.
The Farsi collection presented in this web page is almost universally believed to be authentic and or his own original composition. At this time, it does not include all the Rubaiyat, though a significant proportion.
For the benefit of the non-Farsi speaking reader, I have included two translations. One is as a literal translation, with the aim of conveying the wording of the original poetry, leaving it to the reader to draw his/her own conclusions. And another is a "meaning" translation, with the intention of conveying the spirit of the poetry to the reader, (at least as understood by this author.)
| Keywords: On every page, a number of the Rubaiyat (quatrains) appear, which are clearly separated from each other.
For each quatrain, there is a Farsi (original Persian text),
Which generally appears on the right.
This is presented in pictorial format Literal:
This is a literal English translation (in quatrain form) with the intention of staying as close to the original text as possible. Poetry by Shahriar Shahriari.
Meaning:
This is a free translation (again in poetic form, mainly quatrain, though not always so), with the objective of conveying the intended meaning. Poetry by Shahriar Shahriari.
Fitzgerald:
This is the corresponding translation of the Rubaiyat by Edward J. Fitzgerald (1859).
German:
As well as a German translation, poet unknown.
French:
In the near future, there will be a French translation,
We hope you enjoy the poetry of Omar Khayyam.
| |
© Shahriar Shahriari 1998, Vancouver Canada, 1999 - 2003, Los Angeles, CA
You may use any part presented herein for non-commercial purposes only, on the condition of giving full credit to the author and to this home page, including a hyperlink, if you wish to use these material over the Internet.
This page was last updated on Thursday, April 22, 2010
| Page 1
Literal:
The palace where Jamshid held his cup
The doe and the fox now rest and sup
Bahram who hunted game non-stop
Was hunted by death when his time was up.
Meaning:
The palace where Arthur sought the Grail
Is the resting home of the weak and frail
And the knight who challenged death on its trail
On the ocean of death forward must sail
Chasing the temporal is to no avail
As soon as you go through death’s dark veil.
Fitzgerald:
They say the Lion and the Lizard keep
The Courts where Jamshyd gloried and drank deep:
And Bahram, that great Hunter--the Wild Ass
Stamps o'er his Head, and he lies fast asleep.
German:
Wüst liegt der Palast,
Wo einst Behram geprasst.
Jetzt scheucht von der Stelle
Der Leu die Gazelle
Wo der König im Jagen
Wilde Psel erschlagen,
Versank er im Sumpfe
Beim Eselstriumphe.
Literal:
I resolve daily that at dusk I shall repent
For a night with a cup full of wine spent.
In the presence of flowers, my resolve simply went
In such company, I only regret that I ever resolved to repent.
Meaning:
Every morn I decide to repent at night
For embracing the joys of heart and sight
Yet every night, what seems right
With all my might, embrace delight.
Fitzgerald:
Come, fill the Cup, and in the Fire of Spring
The Winter Garment of Repentance fling:
The Bird of Time has but a little way
To fly--and Lo! the Bird is on the Wing.
German:
An jedem Tag nehm' ich mir vor aufs neue,
Daß ich das Trinken laße und bereue;
Doch nun voll Rosenduft erschienen ist
Der holde Lenz-bereu' ich meine Reue.
Literal:
Khayam, if you are intoxicated with wine, enjoy!
If you are seated with a lover of thine, enjoy!
In the end, the Void the whole world employ
Imagine thou art not, while waiting in line, enjoy!
Meaning:
In life devote yourself to joy and love
Behold the beauty of the peaceful dove
Those who live, in the end must all perish
Live as if you are already in heavens above.
Fitzgerald:
And if the Wine you drink, the Lip you press,
End in the Nothing all Things end in--Yes-
Then fancy while Thou art, Thou art but what
Thou shalt be--Nothing--Thou shalt not be less.
German:
Chajjam, solang du trunken bist von Wein, sei
glücklich-
Solang im Schoße dir ein Mädelein, sei glücklich-
Und da der Dinge Ende ist das Nichts,
So bilde, daß du nichts bist, stets die ein! sei
glücklich!
Literal:
O friend, for the morrow let us not worry
This moment we have now, let us not hurry
When our time comes, we shall not tarry
With seven thousand-year-olds, our burden carry.
Meaning:
O hark, let us not think of the morrow
Cherish this moment, far from sorrow
Life is a temporal gift that we borrow
Whether dead for ages, or leave tomorrow.
Fitzgerald:
Ah! my Beloved, fill the Cup that clears
To-day of past Regrets and future Fears
To-morrow?--Why, To-morrow I may be
Myself with Yesterday's Sev'n Thousand Years.
German:
Komm, Freund, wir wollen nicht sorgen um morgen,
Wir halten als Beute das Gute von heute geborgen.
Verlaßen wir morgen dann dies alte Gasthaus die Welt,
So werden wir Allen, die vor uns bewohnt dieses Rathaus, gesellt.
Literal:
In childhood we strove to go to school,
Our turn to teach, joyous as a rule
The end of the story is sad and cruel
From dust we came, and gone with winds cool.
Meaning:
Pursuing knowledge in childhood we rise
Until we become masterful and wise
But if we look through the disguise
We see the ties of worldly lies.
Fitzgerald:
Myself when young did eagerly frequent
Doctor and Saint, and heard great Argument
About it and about: but evermore
Came out by the same Door as in I went.
German:
Zum Meister ging ich einst- das war die Jugendzeit-
Dann hab ich mich der eigenen Meisterschaft gefreut.
Und wollt ihr wissen, was davon das Ende ist?
Den Staubgeborenen hat wie Staub der Wind zerstreut.
Literal:
At dawn came a calling from the tavern
Hark drunken mad man of the cavern
Arise; let us fill with wine one more turn
Before destiny fills our cup, our urn.
Meaning:
Early one morning I heard an angelic chime
Bringing news of a loving and joyous clime
Pursuit of the unimportant is the worst crime
Live in joy & love before the end of your time.
Fitzgerald:
Dreaming when Dawn's Left Hand was in the Sky
I heard a Voice within the Tavern cry,
"Awake, my Little ones, and fill the Cup
Before Life's Liquor in its Cup be dry."
German:
Eine Stimme scholl morgens zu mir aus der Schenke:
Steh' auf närr'scher Schwärmer' Dein Heil bedenke
Füll', ehe das Mass unsres Schicksals gefüllt ist,
Bei uns noch das Mass mit edlem Getränke!
Literal:
If my coming were up to me, I’d never be born
And if my going were on my accord, I’d go with scorn
Isn’t it better that in this world, so old and worn
Never to be born, neither stay, nor be away torn?
Meaning:
Why was I given life? Why was my seed ever sown?
Why having to leave all alone with moan and groan?
If the universal wisdom received mine on loan
I’d never be born, stay or leave, let it be known.
Fitzgerald:
Indeed, the idols I have loved so long
Have done my Credit in Men's Eye much Wrong:
Have drown'd my Honour in a shallow Cup,
And sold my Reputationfor a Song.
German:
Zu Fasten fühlt‘ ich und zu Gebet mich jüngst
gedrängt und dachte: vielleicht
Wird nun das ewige Heil von mir, nach dem ich
seit lang mich gesehnt, erreicht;
Allein ein Windhauch hat das Gebet alsbald Mir
auf den Lippen verweht.
Ein halber Weinschluck, eh‘ich‘s gedacht, mein
Fasten all zu nichte gemacht.
Literal:
When the canary made its way to the field
Found the rose and wine smiling, kneeled,
In tongues its message in my ear it thus reeled
Hark, no moment in time did twice yield.
Meaning:
I watched the birds on nature’s stage
Playful, in flight, page after page
Thus opened the doors of my cage
& learnt each moment to fully engage.
Fitzgerald:
Iram indeed is gone with all its Rose,
And Jamshyd's Sev'n-ring'd Cup where no one knows;
But still the Vine her ancient Ruby yields,
And still a Garden by the Water blows.
German:
Eine Nachtigall, die trunken zu dem Garten flog ,
Wo ein Rosenkelch über den anderen sich bog,
Raunte ins Ohr mir: Erfaße das Glück
Des Lebens im Fluge: es kommt nicht zurück.
Literal:
Heaven is incomplete without a heavenly romance
Let a glass of wine be my present circumstance
Take what is here now, let go of a promised chance
A drumbeat is best heard from a distance.
Meaning:
A future fantasy is no more than vain hope
With wishful minds for which we grope
I’d rather improve my current scope
To an upward trend from a downward slope
Fitzgerald:
"How sweet is mortal Sovranty!"--think some:
Others--"How blest the Paradise to come!"
Ah, take the Cash in hand and waive the Rest;
Oh, the brave Music of a distant Drum!
German:
Du sprichst mir von Huris, vom Paradiese,
Von Eden lusterfüllter goldner Wiese.
Geh, nimm den Pfennig hin und laß mich gehn-
Von ferne nur hört sich die Trommel schön.
Literal:
The day the stallion of time was tamed and trained
Venus and Jupiter were adorned and stained
This life for us was allotted and ordained
This was not our will; were thus chained and restrained.
Meaning:
Same hands that formed Venus and Sun
And wove the fabric that makes time run
Same hands brought us here, and when done
Will leave behind dust, as if we were none.
Fitzgerald:
I tell Thee this--When, starting from the Goal,
Over the shoulders of the flaming Foal
Of Heav'n Parwin and Mushtari they flung,
In my predestin'd Plot of Dust and Soul
German:
Seit das Himmelsroß läuft auf goldenen Pfaden,
Seit Jupiter leuchtet zusammt den Plejaden,
War unser Schicksal beschloßen im Himmelsrat,
Ist's unsere Schuld, wenn wir es machen zur Tat?
       
© Shahriar Shahriari 1998, Vancouver Canada, 1999 - 2003, Los Angeles, CA
You may use any part presented herein for non-commercial purposes only, on the condition of giving full credit to the author and to this home page, including a hyperlink, if you wish to use these material over the Internet.
This page was last updated on Thursday, April 22, 2010
| Page 2
Literal:
The caravan of life shall always pass
Beware that is fresh as sweet young grass
Let’s not worry about what tomorrow will amass
Fill my cup again, this night will pass, alas.
Meaning:
To be aware of each moment spent
Is to live in the now, and be present
Worry for morrow shan’t make a dent
Caring for the now, your mind must be bent.
Fitzgerald:
One Moment in Annihilation's Waste,
One moment, of the Well of Life to taste--
The Stars are setting, and the Caravan
Starts for the dawn of Nothing--Oh, make haste!
German:
Diese Lebenskarawane ist ein seltsamer Zug,
Drum hasche die flüchtige Freude im Elug!
Mach' Dir im künftigen Gram keine Sorgen,
Fülle das Glas, bald naht wieder der Morgen!
Literal:
Happily I walked with the tavern down the line
Passed an old drunk, holding a bottle of wine
"Do you not fear God?" was reproach of mine
said, "Mercy is God’s sign, in silence I wine and dine."
Meaning:
Our world upon joy and love was once built
Why is it that we reproach and cause guilt?
If we can simply correct our moral tilt,
We too will only will what God wilt.
Fitzgerald:
And lately, by the Tavern Door agape,
Came stealing through the Dusk an Angel Shape,
Bearing a vessel on his Shoulder; and
He bid me taste of it; and 'twas--the Grape!
German:
Als gestern mich mein Fuß ins Weinhaus trug
Sah einen trunknen Greis ich, den ich frug:
((Fürch'st du dich nicht vor Gott? Er aber sprach:
((Gott ist ja gnädig, trink! du bist nicht klug.))
Literal:
It is a day neither hot nor cold,
Clouds help the dry flowers unfold
Canary with his song to the flower told
Drink while you can, yourself don’t scold.
Meaning:
When events unfold with calm and ease
When the winds that blow are merely breeze
Learn from nature, from birds and bees
Live your life in love, and let joy not cease.
Fitzgerald:
And David's Lips are lock't; but in divine
High piping Pelevi, with "Wine! Wine! Wine!
Red Wine!"--the Nightingale cries to the Rose
That yellow Cheek of hers to'incarnadine.
German:
Weder heiß noch kalt ist's heute, ein prächtiges
Wetter:
Frisch vom Regen gewaschen prangen Rosen-
kelche und Blätter
Und die Nachtigall scheint zu den gelben Blumen
zu singen:
Laßt auch Ihr von dem himmlischen Naß Euch
belebend durchdringen.
Literal:
This Old World we’ve named Cosmos by mistake
Is the graveyard of nights & days, no more awake
And a feast that hundred Jamshid’s did break
And a throne that hundred Bahram’s did make.
Meaning:
This reality that is the world of physical
Is in truth a temporal illusion, magical
Into which we are born with a joyous call
Rule the world for some time until we fall.
Fitzgerald:
Think, in this batter'd Caravanserai
Whose Doorways are alternate Night and Day,
How Sultan after Sultan with his Pomp
Abode his Hour or two, and went his way.
German:
Dies alte Karawanserai, gennant die Welt,
Bald nächtig dunkel, bald vom Tag erhellt,
Ist nur ein Rest von alten Herrlichkeiten,
Ein Grab von Königen, hochgerühmt vor Zeiten.
Literal:
The secrets eternal neither you know nor I
And answers to the riddle neither you know nor I
Behind the veil there is much talk about us, why
When the veil falls, neither you remain nor I.
Meaning:
In vain we scream, in vain shout
And try our best to find out
And when it’s end of our route
What’s left is simply naught.
Fitzgerald:
There was a Door to which I found no Key:
There was a Veil past which I could not see:
Some little Talk awhile of ME and THEE
There seemed--and then no more of THEE and ME.
German:
Das Rätsel dieser Welt löst weder Du noch ich,
Jene geheime Schrift liest weder Du noch ich.
Wir wüssten beide gern, was jener Schleier birgt,
Doch wenn der Schleier fällt, bist weder Du noch ich.
Literal:
Before time takes you by surprise
Ask for good red wine and get wise
You are not of gold, don’t believe the lies
You are put to dust, once again you’ll rise.
Meaning:
Do not focus upon the size
Nor for the worldly compromise
Quality is your only prize
Transcend your earthly disguise
Without fear, without despise
With love and joy improvise.
Fitzgerald:
And those who husbanded the Golden Grain,
And those who flung it to the Winds like Rain,
Alike to no such aureate Earth are turn'd
As, buried once, Men want dug up again.
German:
Eh' Du ein Opfer wirst der Pein des Lebens,
O Holde, trink den rosigen Wein des Lebens.
Der Thor nur glaubt, daß man wie Gold ihn nieder
In's Grab senkt und als Gold herauszieht wieder.
Literal:
I brought the cup to my lips with greed
Begging for longevity, my temporal need
Cup brought its to mine, its secret did feed
Time never returns, drink, of this take heed.
Meaning:
The only secret that you need to know
The passage of time is a one way flow
If you understand, joyously you’ll grow
Else you will drown in your own sorrow.
Fitzgerald:
Then to this earthen Bowl did I adjourn
My Lip the secret Well of Life to learn:
And Lip to Lip it murmur'd--"While you live,
Drink!--for once dead you never shall return."
German:
Ich führ' den Krug zum Mund, er soll mich lehren,
Wie dieses Leben länger möchte währen,
Und meine Lippen küssend flüstert er:
((Trink Wein! Du wirst zur Welt nicht wiederkehren. ))
Literal:
All my companions, one by one died
With Angel of Death they now reside
In the banquette of life same wine we tried
A few cups back, they fell to the side.
Meaning:
In the feast of life vulgar and chaste
The same temporal wine must taste
Some stay longer, some leave in haste
To focus upon the end is but waste.
Fitzgerald:
Lo! some we loved, the loveliest and the best
That Time and Fate of all their Vintage prest,
Have drunk their Cup a Round or two before,
And one by one crept silently to Rest.
German:
Ja, alle Freunde, die zu Song und Wort
Vor uns versammelt sich am trauten Ort
Sowei, drei Runden, tranken ihren, Becher
Und gingen einer nach dem andern fort.
Literal:
As the rising Venus and moon in the skies appear
To the goodness of quality wine, nothing comes near
I am amazed at the vendors of a liquid so dear
Where they’ll buy a better thing, is not clear.
Meaning:
When we lay down our defense
And return to our sense
Realize that it is dense
To trade the now for hence.
Fitzgerald:
And much as Wine has play'd the Infidel,
And robb'd me of my Robe of Honour-well,
I often wonder what the Vintners buy
One half so precious as the Goods they sell.
German:
Seit der Mond und Venus am Himmel steh'n
Ward, auf Erden nicht Edleres als Wein gesehn,
Der Weinhändler ist ein erstaunlicher Mann,
Da er Besseres verkauft als er kufen kann.
Literal:
Don’t permit sorrow to be your friend
Sadness and pain become your trend
Don’t let the book or the farm you tend
Rule your life before to earth you descend.
Meaning:
Before to dust you shall return
There is one thing that you must learn
Sorrow and pain your soul shall burn
Joy and bliss to light shall turn.
Fitzgerald:
Ah, make the most of what we yet may spend,
Before we too into the Dust Descend;
Dust into Dust, and under Dust, to lie,
Sans Wine, sans Song, sans Singer and--sans End!
German:
Mit Weltschmerz Deine Seele plage nicht!
Um das, was einmal hin ist, klage nicht!
An Wein und süßen Lippen laß dein Herz,
Und in den Wind dein Leben schlage nicht!
 
© Shahriar Shahriari 1998, Vancouver Canada, 1999 - 2003, Los Angeles, CA
You may use any part presented herein for non-commercial purposes only, on the condition of giving full credit to the author and to this home page, including a hyperlink, if you wish to use these material over the Internet.
This page was last updated on Thursday, April 22, 2010
| Page 3
Literal:
Some in deep thought spirit seek
Some lost in awe, of doubt reek
I fear the voice, hidden but not weak
Cry out "awake! Both ways are oblique."
OR
Some are thoughtful on their way
Some are doubtful, so they pray.
I hear the hidden voice that may
Shout, "Both paths lead astray."
Meaning:
Some always seek the rational mind
Some will appeal to faith that’s blind
If you turn within, you’ll surely find
Both paths will lead further behind.
OR
Some are in endless pursuit
Some seek the forbidden fruit
I fear the voice that is mute
Cry out, "path ain’t fruit nor root!"
Fitzgerald:
Alike for those who for TO-DAY prepare,
And those that after a TO-MORROW stare,
A Muezzin from the Tower of Darkness cries
"Fools! your Reward is neither Here nor There."
German:
Viele Menschen grübeln über Glauben und Sitte,
Zwischen Zweifel und Gewissheit stehn viele in der Mitte.
Unversehens ruft Einer aus dem Hinterhalt her:
Ihr Thoren, der rechte Weg ist nicht dieser noch der!
Literal:
Like God, if this world I could control
Eliminating the world would be my role
I would create the world anew, whole
Such that the free soul would attain desired goal.
Meaning:
The tyranny of fate is such
Whether we try little or much
Our desires we’ll only touch
With the help of faith’s crutch.
Fitzgerald:
Ah, Love! could thou and I with Fate conspire
To grasp this sorry Scheme of Things entire!
Would not we shatter it to bits-and then
Re-mould it nearer to the Heart's Desire!
German:
Könnt ich walten wie Gott im Himmelzelt
Ich hätt'es schön längst auf den Kopf gestellt,
Um ein anderes zu bauen, wie ich es verstehe,
Welches ganz nach den Wünschen der Menschen sich drehe.
Literal:
This cup was made by the Wise Lord
With love & care to the heights soared
The potter who shaped with such accord
To make and break the same clay, can also afford. 
Meaning:
The wisdom that shapes our clay
Does so in a caring, loving way
Wisdom, care and love will stay
The clay is toy to shape and play.
Fitzgerald:
That ev'n my buried Ashes such a Snare
Of Perfume shall fling up into the Air,
As not a True Believer passing by
But shall be overtaken unaware.
German:
So will ich berauscht sein von geistiger Labe,
Daß der Wohlgeruch mich überlebt im Grabe,
Und nur Halbberauschte an meiner Gruft
Ganz trunken hinsinken, berauscht vom Duft.
Literal:
Signs of destiny have always been
Those hands inscribed both good and mean
What was written, came from the unseen
Though we tried without and worried within.
Meaning:
One is great
Who faces fate
Before it’s late,
Appreciate
The destined state
No matter how much we debate
Oppose, engage, or calculate
Even try to accelerate
Fate only moves at its own rate.
Futile is worry, anger and hate
Joy is the only worthy mate.
Fitzgerald:
The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all your Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it.
German:
O Herz, da die Welt nichts als Schatten und Schein
Warum quälst Du Dich ab in unendlicher Pein?
Mit ruhigem Sinn geh‘ dem Schicksal entgegen
Und glaub nicht, es ändere sich Deinetwegen!
Literal:
At all times, merrily try
To drink wine and in song cry
Millions of kings in silence lie
From coming of January and passing of July.
Meaning:
Passing of years
Silently bears;
The one who dares
Joyously cares.
Fitzgerald:
For "IS" and "IS-NOT" though with Rule and Line,
And, "UP-AND-DOWN" without, I could define,
I yet in all I only cared to know,
Was never deep in anything but--Wine.
German:
Wie lange willst Du noch leben,
In selbstvergötterndem Streben, Streben
Im Wahn, es müße Deine Pflicht sein, und Nichtsein?
Den Grund zu suchen von Sein und Nichtsein?
Trink Wein! Ein Leben das eilt zum Tod,
Folgt nur dem einen klugen Gebot,
Sich glücklich bis an's Ende zu bringen.
Mit Wein und sonstigen guten Dingen.
Literal:
Drinking wine is my travail
Till my body is dead and stale
At my grave site all shall hail
Odor of wine shall prevail.
Meaning:
I live life just like a game
Joy by any other name
And joy till death all the same
Even my grave shall proclaim
Joy has been my only fame.
Fitzgerald:
And, as the Cock crew, those who stood before
The Tavern shouted--"Open then the Door!
You know how little while we have to stay,
And, once departed, may return no more."
German:
Geliebte, sieh! der Morgen kommt herbei:
Bring Wein und sing ein Lied zu der Schalmei!
Den dieser Monde flug von Tir zu Dei
Ließ sterben hundert tausend Dscham und Kei.
Literal:
When the clay into a cup is molded
Its breaking, the drunk scolded;
Many limbs and heads are enfolded
Through whose love unfolded, by which decree folded?
Meaning:
The genius that shapes the form
Is far above mundane and norm
Clay into life shall transform
Back into dust by death’s storm.
Fitzgerald:
Another said--"Why, ne'er a peevish Boy
Would break the Bowl from which he drank in Joy;
Shall He that made the Vessel in pure Love
And Fansy, in an after Rage destroy!"
German:
Wer schuf in Liebesglut das Mestersstück,
Der Augen, Armen, heisser Busen Glück?
Und wessen Hand führt dann in wildem Hasse
Die eigne Schöpfung in das Nichts zurück?
Literal:
Good and evil, our moral prison,
Joy and sorrow passing like season,
Fate in the way of logic and reason
Is the victim of far worse treason.
Meaning:
Joy and sorrow in duality
Good and evil in morality
Are frailties of humanity;
Yet more pronounced is reality.
Fitzgerald:
And that inverted Bowl we call The Sky,
Whereunder crawling coop't we live and die,
Lift not thy hands to IT for help--for It
Rolls impotently on as Thou or I.
German:
Glaubt nicht, daß alles vom Himmel bestimmt,
Was Gutes und Böses im Menschen glimmt,
Was das Herz betrübt und das Herz erhellt,
Je nachdem es dem launischen Schicksal gefällt
Das Himmelsrad kreist ohne Ruh
Und ist weit schlimmer daran als Du
Im Wirrsal und Getriebe
Auf der Bahn der ewigen Liebe.
Literal:
Lover of drunk and the outcast
Better than pious prayer and fast
Thou art the first and art the last
Caress if thou wilt, if thou wilt blast.
Meaning:
I’d rather be compassionate
Than piously destroy and hate
God is loving, God is great
God my destroyer and God my mate.
Fitzgerald:
And this I know: whether the one True Light,
Kindle to Love, or Wrath consume me quite,
One Glimpse of It within the Tavern caught
Better than in the Temple lost outright.
German:
Ich mag lieber mit Dir sein in der Schenke,
Um Dir alles zu sagen, was ich denke,
Als ohne Dich vor die Kanzel zu treten,
In gedankenlosen Worten zu beten
Ja, Du Schöpfer aller Dinge
Im kreisenden Weltenringe
So will ich leben und sterben,
Zum Segen oder Verderben!
Literal:
When the Maker formed nature
Why imperfect was the venture
If it is good, why departure
And if bad, why form capture?
Meaning:
When the Creator forged the shape
Why was mankind a mere ape?
If it were good, why cloak and cape?
If unsightly, why this rape?
Fitzgerald:
None answer'd this; but after Silence spake
A Vessel of a more ungainly Make:
"They sneer at me for leaning all awry;
What? did the Hand then of the Potter shake?"
German:
Als Du das Leben schufst, schufst Du das Sterben.
Die eig‘nen Werke weihst Du dem Verderben.
Wenn schlecht Dein Werk war, sprich, wen trifft die Schuld?
Und war es gut, warum schlägst Du‘s in Scherben?
© Shahriar Shahriari 1998, Vancouver Canada, 1999 - 2003, Los Angeles, CA
You may use any part presented herein for non-commercial purposes only, on the condition of giving full credit to the author and to this home page, including a hyperlink, if you wish to use these material over the Internet.
This page was last updated on Thursday, April 22, 2010
| Page 4
Literal:
This Universal wheel, this merry-go-round
In our imagination we have found
The sun a flame, in the Cosmic lantern bound
We are mere ghosts, revolving, the flame surround.
Meaning:
In our imagination, the Cosmic Wheel
Will cause us pain and cause us heal
We find our source give life and steal
We are phantoms that think and feel.
Fitzgerald:
For in and out, above, about, below,
'Tis nothing but a Magic Shadow-show,
Play'd in a Box whose Candle is the Sun,
Round which we Phantom Figures come and go.
German:
Dieses Weltall mit dem wir uns schwindelnd drehen,
Ist wie eine Laterne anzusehen,
Drin die Sonne als Licht brennt, in bunten Reigen,
Uns Trugbilder-unseresgleichen- zu zeigen.
Literal:
The rose claimed to be Jacob of grass and dirt
A red ruby resurrected with a green skirt
I said if this is so, show a sign of your hurt
Said just take a look at my bloody shirt.
Meaning:
If you have a perceptive mind
And look closely you will find
The whole history of humankind
Jacob’s bloody shirt, even blind.
Fitzgerald:
Look to the blowing Rose about us--"Lo,
Laughing," she says, "into the world I blow,
At once the silken tassel of my Purse
Tear, and its Treasure on the Garden throw."
German:
Hor‘, was die Rosenhecke flüstert: -Schau
Wie lieblich blüh‘ ich auf im Morgenblau!
Leer meine Borse aus und überschütte
Mit lauterm Gold dem Garten wie mit Tau!-
Literal:
Anxiously I began this course
With life my awe grew even worse
Unwillingly returned with force
What was the point, I ask my source.
Meaning:
Anxiously I opened my eye
Understanding, try, try, try
Reluctantly agreed to die
Come, stay and leave, I only ask why?
Fitzgerald:
Into this Universe, and Why not knowing
Nor Whence, like Water willy-nilly flowing;
And out of it, as Wind along the Waste,
I know not Whither, willy-nilly blowing.
German:
Was hat es Dir genützt, daß ich gekommen?
Was hilft‘s Dir, wenn Du einst mich fortgenommen?
Ach, keines Menschen Ohr hat je vernommen,
Wozu von hier wir gehn, wozu hierher wir gekommen?
Literal:
In the wheel of fortune the unseen vine
Drink, be merry, wait your turn in line
When it is your turn, neither cry nor whine
Everyone must taste the same deadly wine.
Meaning:
Death is fair, death is just
Longevity, though we lust.
Live joyfully, moment trust
Else life will have a high cost.
Fitzgerald:
While the Rose blows along the River Brink,
With old Khayyam the Ruby Vintage drink:
And when the Angel with his darker Draught
Draws up to thee--take that, and do not shrink.
German:
In jener Nacht, wo keine Sterne blinken,
Wo keines Auswegs Hoffnungsstrahlen winken.
Schrickt nicht zurück, wenn deine Reihe kommt!
Der Becher kreist, und jeder muß ihn trinken.
Literal:
O Life, you put many traps in my way
Dare to try, is what you clearly say
All that is, thy command must obey
You lead me away and call me astray.
Meaning:
I only follow the path of my heart
In desolate desert I make my start
I follow my heart, I do my part
The path of my heart is what you chart.
Fitzgerald:
Oh Thou who didst with Pitfall and with Gin
Beset the Road I was to wander in,
Thou wilt not with Predestination round
Enmesh me, and impute my Fall to Sin?
German:
Von allen Seiten hast Du uns mit Schlingen bedroht
Und sprichst: wer hineinfällt, den trifft der Tod.
Du suchst selbst uns verlockende Fallen zu stellen
Und strafst dann, wen sie verlockt, als Rebellen.
Literal:
Why treat thy slave so cold as ice?
Where is thy light to save me from vice?
Even with command of Paradise
Where is thy gift above my just price?
Meaning:
Tyranny of fate has made me a slave
Whatever I choose, how I behave
Is only freedom within my cave;
Even if for Paradise I crave
This moment to me is all you gave.
Fitzgerald:
Oh Thou, who Man of baser Earth didst make,
And who with Eden didst devise the Snake;
For all the Sin wherewith the Face of Man
Is blacken'd, Man's Forgiveness give--and take!
German:
O Du, der aller Menschen Gedanken und Herzen
geprüft,
Und jeglichen wieder erhebt, der durch Schmerzen
geprüft;
Daß Du Erhebung auch mir der in Sunden
gefallen, gewährst
Fleh! Ich Dich an, o Herr! wie Du sie allen
gewährst.
Literal:
They say in heaven are beautiful lovers
Sweet taste of wine in the air hovers
Fear not if succumbed to same earthly powers
In the end the same, one discovers.
Meaning:
We strive in life so in the end
Paradise attain, to heavens ascend.
It is better our ways amend
This moment now, joyously spend.
Fitzgerald:
Said one--"Folks of a surly Tapster tell,
And daub his Visage with the Smoke of Hell;
They talk of some strict Testing of us--Pish!
He's a Good Fellow, and 'twill all be well."
German:
Am jüngsten Tag weckt uns der Prüfung Horn.
Und der geliebte Freund erglüht im Zorn,
Doch muß sich alles noch zum Guten kehren.
Denn reine Güte ist des Guten Born.
Literal:
Take all the worldly goods, but in lieu
Let the beauty of nature renew
And at night on the grass like dew
And in the morn take me away from view.
Meaning:
All worldly things
Come with strings
Joy beauty brings
Of freedom sings.
Fitzgerald:
The Worldly Hope men set their Hearts upon
Turns Ashes--or it prospers; and anon,
Like Snow upon the Desert's dusty Face,
Lighting a little hour or two--is gone.
German:
Denk, all‘ Dein Hoffen fände auch ein Ziel,
Der Freude Garten böte Dir so viel,
Daß du in seinem Grün, dich selig dünkst-
Doch wenn der Morgen, graut, ist aus das Spiel!
Literal:
Drink wine that drives away joy and pain
And the thought of Seventy Two nations’ reign
Never withhold from such elixir again
Of which one sip will purge all that’s insane.
Meaning:
Alchemical power of joy
Our spirits upward buoy
Insane is the evil ploy
That happiness will destroy.
Fitzgerald:
The Grape that can with Logic absolute
The Two-and-Seventy jarring Sects confute:
The sovereign Alchemist that in a trice
Life's leaden metal into Gold transmute;
German:
Trink Wein, um Deines Herzens Unruh zu bändigen.
Und den Streit der zwei und siebzig Secten zu endigen.
Enthalte Dich nicht Dieser Alchymie:
Mit einem Kruge tausend Gebrechen heilt sie.
Literal:
Hark! Feed me wine, if you really care
Turn into ruby my face of amber
Bathe me in wine when death me ensnare
With boards of vine my coffin bear.
Meaning:
With love and joy yourself surround
Upon this earth roam free, unbound
And when you’re six feet under the ground
Your legacy of joy and love abound.
Fitzgerald:
Ah, with the Grape my fading Life provide,
And wash my Body whence the life has died,
And in a Windingsheet of Vine-leaf wrapt,
So bury me by some sweet Garden-side.
German:
O teure Genoßen vom Trinkerorden,
Gelb wie Bernstein ist mein Antlitz geworden,
Bringt Wein um es wieder zu beleben
Und den Wangen gesunde Röte zu geben.
Und leg‘ ich mich einst zum Sterben nieder,
So wascht mit rotem Wein meine Glieder;
Das Holz des Weinstocks diene zu Truhe,
So lasst mich tragen zur ewigen Ruhe.
© Shahriar Shahriari 1998, Vancouver Canada, 1999 - 2003, Los Angeles, CA
You may use any part presented herein for non-commercial purposes only, on the condition of giving full credit to the author and to this home page, including a hyperlink, if you wish to use these material over the Internet.
This page was last updated on Thursday, April 22, 2010
| Page 5
Literal:
An old potter at his wheel
Clay and dirt mould and deal
My inner eye would reveal
My father’s dust bears his seal.
Meaning:
From dirt and dust come into view
Back into dust for review
And the cycles continue;
Though same for all, seen by few.
Fitzgerald:
Listen again. One Evening at the Close
Of Ramazan, ere the better Moon arose,
In that old Potter's Shop I stood alone
With the clay Population round in Rows.
German:
Einen Töpfer hab‘ ich heim Werke gesehen
Den Krügen Hälse und Henkel zu drehen;
Er nahm den Stoff zu den Thongeschöpfen
Aus Bettlerfüssen und Königsköpfen.
Literal:
Once transpired, cannot be changed
Only pain will come if remorse engaged
Though with sorrow you may be aged
Not even a dot will be rearranged.
Meaning:
Once transpired, asleep or awake
Even with sorrow, pain and heart ache
Nothing will change, nothing will shake
You can only look for another break
And your chance take, a new life make.
Fitzgerald:
With Earth's first Clay They did the Last Man's knead,
And then of the Last Harvest sow'd the Seed:
Yea, the first Morning of Creation wrote
What the Last Dawn of Reckoning shall read.
German:
Urewig vargezeichnet ist der Dinge Kern;
Der Griffel bleibt dem Guten wie dem Bösen fern;
Was Gott als Schicksal vorbestimmt, muß sich vollenden
Mag, wie er will, der eitle Mensch sich drehn und wenden.
Literal:
Each drop of wine that is spilt
Burnt deep in my heart and sorrow built
I drink wine while prayer thou wilt
The water that quenched the fire of my guilt.
Meaning:
Every joyous moment you waste
Deprive yourself of heavenly taste
Confess, repent, praise, or be chaste
Towards your grave you’ll go with haste.
Fitzgerald:
The mighty Mahmud, the victorious Lord,
That all the misbelieving and black Horde
Of Fears and Sorrows that infest the Soul
Scatters and slays with his enchanted Sword.
German:
Kein Tröpflein gießt der Schenke je in den Sand,
Das keinem Auge lechzt des Leides Brand!
So ist – gelobt sei Gott – der Wein ein Nass
Das unsres Herzens tausend Schmerzen bannt.
Literal:
Alas the youthful fire is a dying ember
The spring of life has reached December
What is termed youth, I vaguely remember
But know not whence and how from life’s chamber.
Meaning:
In later days I look behind
And with remorse I only find
Zestful youth, unaware and blind
To passage of time, fate of mankind.
OR
The only constant is time’s passage
Which is the same for both fool and sage
To young and old time’s only message
Engage in joy, put away your rage
From the unknown set foot upon the stage
And leaving this cage one day is your wage.
Fitzgerald:
Alas, that Spring should vanish with the Rose!
That Youth's sweet-scented Manuscript should close!
The Nightingale that in the Branches sang,
Ah, whence, and whither flown again, who knows!
German:
Ach, des Lebens Mai naht dem Ziele,
Vorbei sind dir Freunden und Spiele!
Dieser Vogel der Fröhlichkeit
Genannt die Jugendzeit.
Schwang fort sein Gefieder,
Und kommt nicht wieder!
Ich weiß nicht, wann er gekommen,-
Und wohin den weg er genommen.
Literal:
In the cosmic game of polo you are the ball
The mallet’s left and right becomes your call
He who causes your movements, your rise and fall
He is the one, the only one, who knows it all.
Meaning:
In the cosmic there is a flow
To which you must submit and bow
And though you act in this show
And seem to move to and fro
The plot you’ll never get to know
The only way you get to grow
Align yourself with this flow.
Fitzgerald:
The Ball no Question makes of Ayes and Noes,
But Right or Left as strikes the Player goes;
And He that toss'd Thee down into the Field,
He knows about it all--HE knows--HE knows!
German:
O Du! vom Los getrieben wie vom Schlägel Ballen,
Der Du in Lust des Wein‘s und der Huris gefallen,
Du bist gefallen auf das ewigen Geheiss;
Er ist es, der es weiss, der‘s weiss, der‘s weiss, der‘s weiss.
Literal:
From the depths of earth to heights of Saturn
We’ve solved all riddles, turn after turn
Break every chain, our ignorance burn
Except the riddle that fills the urn.
Meaning:
From the electron to distant stars
From before the wheel to futuristic cars
We’ve solved them all, broken all bars
Except the riddle of deadly scars.
Fitzgerald:
Up from Earth's Centre through the seventh Gate
I rose, and on the Throne of Saturn sate,
And many Knots unravel'd by the Road;
But not the Knot of Human Death and Fate.
German:
Vom Erdenland durch sieben Tore trug
Mich auf Saturnus Thron der Geisterflug.
Und manches Räetsel löst sich unterwegs,
Bis ich umsonst nach Tod und Schicksal frug.
Literal:
Tonight I shall embrace a gallon cup
With at least two cups of wine I‘ll sup
I’ll divorce my mind and religion stop
With daughter of vine, all night I’ll stay up.
Meaning:
When intellect is my king
Or religion my soul string
I clip the bird of joy’s wing.
Drunk with joy, I’ll only sing
And to this world love will bring.
Fitzgerald:
You know, my Friends, how long since in my House
For a new Marriage I did make Carouse:
Divorced old barren Reason from my Bed,
And took the Daughter of the Vine to Spouse.
German:
Bringt einen Becher mir, so gross, daß, man ihn schwer nur hebe.
Wenn man ihn auch nur zweimal leert, zum Rausch genügen muß es schon.
Zuerst will ich von der Vernunft mich scheiden und der Religion,
Und mich vermählen dann sofort dem bolden Kind der Rebe.
Literal:
Wherever you go in the land of God
Flowers bloom from kingly blood
Violet with its colorful shroud
Was a beauty mole on a face once proud.
Meaning:
Every beauty that we praise
From prior valor must raise.
Beautiful face that lovers amaze
Becomes a flower upon which we gaze.
Beauty transforms from phase to phase.
Fitzgerald:
I sometimes think that never blows so red
The Rose as where some buried Caesar bled;
That every Hyacinth the Garden wears
Dropt in its Lap from some once lovely Head.
German:
Erblickt ihr eine Rose, prächtig rot,
So denkt: darunter liegt ein mächt‘ger König tot;
Und seht ihr einen Krokus blüh‘n, so glaubt:
Ein schönes Weib, nun tot, verlor ihn einst vom Haupt.
Literal:
Beloved friends let us gather
For each other, together care
With raised cups salute and share
In memory of he who isn’t there.
Meaning:
Let us gather in a friendly group
And together form divine loving troop
When to dark angel we kneel and stoop
We’ll be taken out of this friendly loop.
Fitzgerald:
And when Thyself with shining Foot shall pass
Among the Guests Star-scatter'd on The Grass,
And in Thy joyous Errand reach the Spot
Where I made one--turn down an empty Glass!
German:
O meine Freunde, gelobt, einst munter Euch
Hier zu versammeln, wenn ich nicht mehr unter Euch
Den Pokal voll Alten Weins zu schenken
Und trinkend des armen Chajjam zu gedenken.
Literal:
The grass that grows by every stream
Like angelic smiles faintly gleam
Step gently, cause it not to scream
For it has grown from a lover’s dream.
Meaning:
Every creature honor and respect
Bird or beast, plant or insect
If you look at life you will detect
From dust to dust, divine intellect.
Fitzgerald:
And this delightful Herb whose tender Green
Fledges the River's Lip on which we lean--
Ah, lean upon it lightly! for who knows
From what once lovely Lip it springs unseen!
German:
So schön, wie den schönsten Lippen entsprungen
Hält der blumige Rasen den Bach umschlungen.
Betritt nicht versächtlich dies zarte Grün,
Drin vergangene Schönheiten neu erblühn.
© Shahriar Shahriari 1998, Vancouver Canada, 1999 - 2003, Los Angeles, CA
You may use any part presented herein for non-commercial purposes only, on the condition of giving full credit to the author and to this home page, including a hyperlink, if you wish to use these material over the Internet.
This page was last updated on Thursday, April 22, 2010
| Page 6
Literal:
Those who went in pursuit of knowledge
Soared up so high, stretched the edge
Were still encaged by the same dark hedge
Brought us some tales ere life to death pledge.
Meaning:
Those who pursue the scientific way
In a different language display
Their ignorance and the way they pray.
They too one day shall be dust and clay.
Fitzgerald:
Then to the rolling Heav'n itself I cried,
Asking, "What Lamp had Destiny to guide
Her little Children stumbling in the Dark?"
And--"A blind understanding!" Heav'n replied.
German:
Die Edelstein, die je die Welt gelehrt.
Die man noch jetzt als leuchtend Licht verehrt,
Sie blieben in der Finsternis. Nur Märchen
erzählen sie und sind dann heimgekehrt.
Literal:
Once upon a time, in a potter’s shop
I saw two thousand clay pot and cup
Suddenly a lone pot cried out, "stop!
Where the vendor, buyer, where my prop?"
OR
To a pottery I went by chance
Two thousand pots I saw in a glance
Cried out a pot awakened from trance
"whither potter, vendor and buyer prance?"
Meaning:
We simply exist, silent, unaware
Busy with minute mundane worldly care
Occasionally find someone who’ll dare
To ask why we came, and from here go where?
Fitzgerald:
And strange to tell, among that Earthen Lot
Some could articulate, while others not:
And suddenly one more impatient cried--
"Who is the Potter, pray, and who the Pot?"
German:
Bei einem Töpfer sah ich gestern zweitausend Krüge,
Die einen stumm, die anderen redend, als ob jeder früge:
Wer hat uns geformt und wo stammen wir her?
Wer ist hier der Käufer, und der Verkäufer, wer?
Literal:
We are the puppets and fate the puppeteer
This is not a metaphor, but a truth sincere
On this stage, fate for sometime our moves steer
Into the chest of non-existence, one by one disappear.
Meaning:
The hands of fate play our game
We the players are given a name
Some are tame, others gain fame
Yet in the end, we’re all the same.
Fitzgerald:
'Tis all a Chequer-board of Nights and Days
Where Destiny with Men for Pieces plays:
Hither and thither moves, and mates, and slays,
And one by one back in the Closet lays.
German:
Wir sind hier nicht als ein Spielzeug des Himmels und der Natur;
Dies ist als Wahrheit gemeint, nicht metaphorisch nur.
Wir gehn, wie die Steine im Bretspiel, durch vieler Spieler Hände,
Und werden beiseite geworfen in‘s Nichts, wenn das Spiel zu Ende.
Literal:
The signs of what’s to come has always been
Has always written both benevolent and mean
What is our lot was given by the hand unseen
With futility we try, exert, weep or keen.
Meaning:
Destiny has gifted us a perfect course
To oppose or not follow makes our life worse
Instead of useless trial, pain and remorse
We better put our cart behind our horse
And follow inspirations from our source.
Fitzgerald:
The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all your Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it.
German:
O Herz, da die Welt nichts als Schatten und Schein
Warum quälst Du Dich ab in unendlicher Pein?
Mit ruhigem Sinn geh‘ dem Schicksal entgegen
Und glaub nicht, es ändere sich Deinetwegen!
Literal:
This clay pot like a lover once in heat
A lock of hair his senses did defeat
The handle that has made the bottleneck its own seat
Was once the embrace of a lover that entreat.
Meaning:
Everywhere I look, I see a sign
Of an order that is great, divine
Even the sweet passionate red wine
Is the blood in this heart of mine.
Fitzgerald:
I think the Vessel, that with fugitive
Articulation answer'd, once did live,
And merry-make; and the cold Lip I kiss'd
How many Kisses might it take--and give.
German:
Dieser Krug ist, wie ich, unglücklich lebendig gewesen,
In schönen Augen und Locken Verliebt unverständig gewesen.
Dieser Henkel am Halse des Kruges war einst ein Arn
Der im Umhalsung der Schönen unhändig gewesen.
Literal:
The sun with its morning light the earth ensnare
The king celebrated the day with a wine so fair
The herald of dawn intoxicated would blare
Its fame and aroma, for time having not a care.
Meaning:
Even from the bright rising sun
The moon that has playfully spun
We learn love, joy, and even fun
Before our time’s sand has run.
Fitzgerald:
Awake! for Morning in the Bowl of Night
Has flung the Stone that puts the Stars to Flight:
And Lo! the Hunter of the East has caught
The Sultan's Turret in a Noose of Light.
German:
Des Schloßes Zinnen färbt des Frührots Strahl
Der König Tag giesst Wein in den Pokal,
Der Frühaufsteher von des Dches First
Schmettert sein ((Uschrubu)) ins dunkle Tal.
© Shahriar Shahriari 1998, Vancouver Canada, 1999 - 2003, Los Angeles, CA
You may use any part presented herein for non-commercial purposes only, on the condition of giving full credit to the author and to this home page, including a hyperlink, if you wish to use these material over the Internet.
This page was last updated on Thursday, April 22, 2010 |
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Principia Discordia, Or, How I Found...
Wine of the Mystic
The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Jr.
Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
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