David Judges Against the Cow’s Owner
From Rumi’s Masnavi (مثنوی معنوی), Book 3, section 104 of 185: How David gave judgement against the owner of the cow, bidding him withdraw from the case concerning the cow (حکم کردن داود بر صاحب گاو کی از سر گاو برخیز و تشنیع صاحب گاو بر داود علیه السلام). Below, each of its 6 couplets is given in Persian, followed by R. A. Nicholson’s English translation.
How David gave judgement against the owner of the cow, bidding him withdraw from the case concerning the cow; and how the owner of the cow reproached David, on whom be peace. حکم کردن داود بر صاحب گاو کی از سر گاو برخیز و تشنیع صاحب گاو بر داود علیه السلام
گفت داودش خمش کن رو بهل این مسلمان را ز گاوت کن بحل
David said to him, “Be silent! Go, abandon (your claim), and acquit this Moslem of (responsibility for) your cow.
چون خدا پوشید بر تو ای جوان رو خمش کن حق ستاری بدان
Inasmuch as God has thrown a veil over you (concealed your guilt), O youth, depart and keep silence and acknowledge the obligation of (giving thanks to God for His) concealment.”
گفت وا ویلی چه حکمست این چه داد از پی من شرع نو خواهی نهاد
He cried, “Oh, woe is me! What judgement is this, what justice? Wilt thou establish a new law on my account?
رفته است آوازه‌ی عدلت چنان که معطر شد زمین و آسمان
The fame of thy justice has gone so far that earth and heaven have become fragrant (with the scent thereof).
بر سگان کور این استم نرفت زین تعدی سنگ و که بشکافت تفت
This wrong has never been done (even) to blind dogs; rock and mountain are burst asunder of a sudden by this iniquity.”
همچنین تشنیع می‌زد برملا کالصلا هنگام ظلمست الصلا
In such fashion was he uttering reproaches publicly, crying, “Hark ye, ‘tis the time of injustice, hark ye!”
Special Offers
← Previous sectionMasnavi Book 3 contentsNext section →
More Rumi: the Song of the Reed (Book 1 proem), real Rumi quotes in Persian and the Persian poetry quiz.
Take this lesson further
Serious about Persian? Get all 30 of our Persian learning books for $199.99 (55% less than buying them one by one).
Free Persian Starter Kit (PDF)
The Persian alphabet chart and the 101 most common Persian words with pronunciation, in one printable PDF. You also get a one-time 15% code for any of our books.
We will email you new lessons and book news from Learn Persian Online. Unsubscribe any time.Love Persian poetry? Learn to read it: free Starter Pack
Get the 14-page printable Starter Pack (all 32 letters, a 7-day reading plan, 100 core words and 20 survival phrases) and a short 5-email course. Free.
by: Reza about (category: Masnavi, Persian Poetry)
Reza is an experienced Persian instructor who has been tutoring students since 2008. He is the founder of Learn Persian Online, a tutoring company that has helped many students learn Persian, this beautiful language. He works with students individually and in group settings, he tutors both live and online Persian courses. Reza provides an individualized custom learning plan and the personalized attention that makes a difference in how people view Persian learning process.
What people say about "David Judges Against the Cow's Owner"?
No one replied yet.