Story of the slanderer’s reproof حکایت سرزنش غیبت
Story of the Slanderer's Reproof (حکایت سرزنش غیبت) is from Chapter VII, On Training and Instruction (در عالم تربیت) 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
| Some resolute men, knowing God in their heart, Were seated, conversing together, apart. One among them began to revile and deride; And in sland’ring a helpless one, ope’d the door wide. | طریقت شناسان ثابت قدم به خلوت نشستند چندی به هم یکی زان میان غیبت آغاز کرد در ذکر بیچارهای باز کرد |
| Another addressed him, “Oh prejudiced friend! Did you ever in war with crusaders contend? ” He replied, ” From behind the four walls that I own; In my lifetime, a foot to the front I’ve not shown.” | کسی گفتش ای یار شوریده رنگ تو هرگز غزا کرده‌ای در فرنگ؟ بگفت از پس چار دیوار خویش همه عمر ننهاده‌ام پای پیش |
| The pure-hearted Dervish his answer thus gave: “I have never beheld such an infamous knave! For while infidels sit from his warring secure, Musahtians must his tongue’s fiery venom endure! | چنین گفت درویش صادق نفس ندیدم چنین بخت برگشته کس که کافر ز پیکارش ایمن نشست مسلمان ز جور زبانش نرست |
| How well did a madman of Marghaz recite ‘ A truth, that should make one his under lip bite! “If I mention in enmity any one’s name When speaking, I only my mother defame; | چه خوش گفت دیوانه مرغزی حدیثی کز او لب به دندان گزی من ار نام مردم بزشتی برم نگویم به جز غیبت مادرم |
| For philosophers, cherishing wisdom, agree That a mother’s devotion’s the best that can be.” Oh thou of good name should a friend pass from view, Two things all his friends are forbidden to do: | که دانند پروردگان خرد که طاعت همان به که مادر برد رفیقی که غایب شد ای نیک نام دو چیزست از او بر رفیقان حرام |
| One is, foolishly wasting his money, and then, Reviling his name in the presence of men. Whoever advances men’s names with disgrace, On his speaking with fairness, no hope you need place. | یکی آن که مالش به باطل خورند دوم آن که نامش به غیبت برند هر آن کو برد نام مردم به عار تو خیر خود از وی توقع مدار |
| When you turn your own back, about you he relates, What in other men’s absence, before you he states. In this world he, in my estimation, is wise, Who can mind his own business and earth’s joys despise. | که اندر قفای تو گوید همان که پیش تو گفت از پس مردمان کسی پیش من در جهان عاقل است که مشغول خود وز جهان غافل است |
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by: Reza about (category: Bustan Saadi)
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