Story OF the pious sick man حکایت مرد بیمار
Story of the Pious Sick Man (حکایت مرد بیمار) 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
| In one of the pious an ague began; Some one said, “Ask conserve from a certain rich man!” He answered, ” The harshness of dying, oh son! Is better than scowls from a sour-visaged one.” | یکی را تب آمد ز صاحبدلان کسی گفت شکر بخواه از فلان بگفت ای پسر تلخی مردنم به از جور روی ترش بردنم |
| Of that person’s conserve, the wise man did not eat, Who had shown him a vinegar face from conceit. Do not follow whatever your heart may desire! For tending the body abates your soul’s fire. | شکر عاقل از دست آن کس نخورد که روی از تکبر بر او سر که کرد مرو از پی هرچه دل خواهدت که تمکین تن نور جان کاهدت |
| Inordinate appetite makes a man low; Do not show it affection, if wisdom you know! If whatever may be its desire, you should eat, From the changes of Time, disappointment you’ll meet. | کند مرد را نفس اماره خوار اگر هوشمندی عزیزش مدار اگر هرچه باشد مرادت خوری ز دوران بسی نامرادی بری |
| If the store of the stomach is always kept hot, Misfortune arises when nought can be got. The hue of your face disappears in distress, When in plentiful times you your stomach oppress. | تنور شکم دم بدم تافتن مصیبت بود روز نایافتن به تنگی بریزاندت روی رنگ چو وقت فراخی کنی معده تنگ |
| The man always eating, the stomach’s load bears; If he eats not, he carries a burden of cares. The stomach’s slave, greatly abashed you will find; A void stomach is better, I think, than void mind. | کشد مرد پرخواره بار شکم وگر در نیابد کشد بار غم شکم بنده بسیار بینی خجل شکم پیش من تنگ بهتر که دل |
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by: Reza about (category: Bustan Saadi)
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