Story, of the haji’s ivory comb حکایت شانه عاج حاجی
Story, of the Haji's Ivory Comb (حکایت شانه عاج حاجی) is from Chapter VI, On Contentment (در قناعت) 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
| A Haji once gave me an ivory comb; (Mercy rest on the virtues of Hajis, who roam) | مرا حاجیی شانه عاج داد که رحمت بر اخلاق حجاج باد |
| I had heard that he dared once to call me a dog; For at something I said, was his mind set agog. | شنیدم که باری سگم خوانده بود که از من به نوعی دلش مانده بود |
| “This bone,” I said — casting the comb on the ground ” Does not suit me! henceforth do not call me a hound! | بینداختم شانه کاین استخوان نمیبایدم دیگرم سگ مخوان |
| If I drink my own vinegar, do not suppose, That I care to endure the confectioner’s blows! “ | مپندار چون سرکه خود خورم که جور خداوند حلوا برم |
| Let a little, oh spirit, your wish satisfy! That the Sultan and beggar as one, you may spy! | قناعت کن ای نفس بر اندکی که سلطان و درویش بینی یکی |
| In front of a monarch, your wishes, why bring? When you’ve set aside greed, you yourself are a king! | چرا پیش خسرو به خواهش روی چو یک سو نهادی طمع، خسروی |
| If you worship yourself, make your stomach a gong! And pray at each door, as you travel along. | وگر خود پرستی شکم طبله کن در خانه این و آن قبله کن |
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by: Reza about (category: Bustan Saadi)
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