Story OF A SYRIAN RECLUSE حکایت مرزبان ستمگار با زاهد
Story of a Syrian Recluse (حکایت مرزبان ستمگار با زاهد) is from Chapter I, On Justice, Wisdom and Government (در عدل و تدبیر و رای) of Saadi’s Bustan (بوستان, “The Orchard”), written in 1257. The Persian verses are given with a rhymed English translation, couplet by couplet.
Bustan Saadi بوستان سعدی
| On the border of Syria a famed man of God, Apart from the world, made a cave his abode. Resigned in that corner a gloomy retreat On Contentment’s rich treasure, he planted his feet. | خردمند مردی در اقصای شام گرفت از جهان کنج غاری مقام به صبرش در آن کنج تاریک جای به گنج قناعت فرو رفته پای |
| شنیدم که نامش خدادوست بود ملک سیرتی، آدمی پوست بود | |
| The notables laid their proud heads at his door, For inside their portals his head did not- soar. | بزرگان نهادند سر بر درش که در می‌نیامد به درها سرش |
| The fair-dealing hermit has this in his eye, That in beggary, greed from his spirit may fly. When his breath evry moment says — “Give me, in haste !” They direct him from village to village disgraced. | تمنا کند عارف پاکباز به در یوزه از خویشتن ترک آز چو هر ساعتش نفس گوید بده بخواری بگرداندش ده به ده |
| In the land where this prudent recluse had his cell, A tyrannical governor happened to dwell ; Who by violence twisted the fingers behind, Of all the poor men he was able to find. | در آن مرز کاین پیر هشیار بود یکی مرزبان ستمگار بود که هر ناتوان را که دریافتی به سرپنجگی پنجه برتافتی |
| A tyrant unmerciful, void of all fear ; By his harshness a world’s faces frowning appear. | جهان سوز و بی‌رحمت و خیره‌کش ز تلخیش روی جهانی ترش |
| A multitude fled from that outrage and shame, And disclosed to the world his iniquitous name. A number, heart- wounded and wretched, remained, And in rear of their spinning-wheels, curses they rained. | گروهی برفتند ازان ظلم و عار ببردند نام بدش در دیار گروهی بماندند مسکین و ریش پس چرخه نفرین گرفتند پیش |
| In the place where the hand of Oppression goes far, You behold not men’s lips, from their laughing, ajar. | ید ظلم جایی که گردد دراز نبینی لب مردم از خنده باز |
| To see the old Saint, oft the chief would repair ; But the Pietest looked as if no one were there. The chief once addressed him — ” Oh favoured by Fate ! Do not harden your face on account of your hate! | به دیدار شیخ آمدی گاه گاه خدادوست در وی نکردی نگاه ملک نوبتی گفتش: ای نیکبخت بنفرت ز من درمکش روی سخت |
| That it is my design to befriend you, you know On my account, therefore, why enmity show ? I do not presume to be chief in the land, But in honour, not less than the Dervish I stand | مرا با تو دانی سر دوستی است تو را دشمنی با من از بهر چیست؟ گرفتم که سالار کشور نیم به عزت ز درویش کمتر نیم |
| To be ranked above others I do not lay claim; As to others you are, unto me, be the same! ” The intelligent worshipper heard this remark; He was angry and answered, “Oh governor, hark! | نگویم فضیلت نهم بر کسی چنان باش با من که با هر کسی شنید این سخن عابد هوشیار بر آشفت و گفت: ای ملک، هوش دار |
| By your presence, distress to the people extends; I reckon not scourges of people my friends. | وجودت پریشانی خلق از اوست ندارم پریشانی خلق دوست |
| You are hostile to those who are friendly to me; That you are my friend, I’m unable to see. | تو با آن که من دوستم، دشمنی نپندارمت دوستدار منی |
| Supposing I did on you friendship bestow; What then? Since by God you are counted a foe! ” | چرا دوست دارم به باطل منت چو دانم که دارد خدا دشمنت؟ |
| مده بوسه بر دست من دوستوار برو دوستداران من دوست دار | |
| If from one of God’s chosen the skin they should rend, The enemy will not be friend of the Friend. | خدادوست را گر بدرند پوست نخواهد شدن دشمن دوست، دوست |
| I’m amazed how that hard-hearted person can sleep, Since a city through him lies in misery deep. | عجب دارم از خواب آن سنگدل که خلقی بخسبند از او تنگدل |
| If yirtue and wisdom and sense in you dwell, Be ready in liberal acts to excel! |
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by: Reza about (category: Bustan Saadi)
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