The Amir Answers Them Again
From Rumi’s Masnavi (مثنوی معنوی), Book 5, section 149 of 175: How the Amír answered them again (باز جواب گفتن آن امیر ایشان را). Below, each of its 8 couplets is given in Persian, followed by R. A. Nicholson’s English translation.
How the Amír answered them again. باز جواب گفتن آن امیر ایشان را
گفت نه نه من حریف آن میم من به ذوق این خوشی قانع نیم
He replied, “Nay, nay, I am the fellow for that wine: I am not content with tasting this delight (of which ye speak).
من چنان خواهم که هم‌چون یاسمین کژ همی‌گردم چنان گاهی چنین
I desire such (wine), that, like the jasmine, I may ever be reeling crookedly (now) that way, now this,
وارهیده از همه خوف و امید کژ همی‌گردم بهر سو هم‌چو بید
And, having been delivered from all fear and hope, I may be swaying to every side, like the willow,
هم‌چو شاخ بید گردان چپ و راست که ز بادش گونه گونه رقصهاست
Swaying to left and right like the willow-bough, which is made to dance all sorts of dances by the wind.”
آنک خو کردست با شادی می این خوشی را کی پسندد خواجه کی
He that is accustomed to the joy of (spiritual) wine, how should he be satisfied with this delight, Khwája, eh?
انبیا زان زین خوشی بیرون شدند که سرشته در خوشی حق بدند
The prophets abandoned this delight because they were steeped in the Divine delight;
زانک جانشان آن خوشی را دیده بود این خوشیها پیششان بازی نمود
Since their spirit had experienced that delight, these delights seemed to them (mere) play.
با بت زنده کسی چون گشت یار مرده را چون در کشد اندر کنار
When any one has been united with a living object of adoration, how should he embrace a dead one?
Special Offers
← Previous sectionMasnavi Book 5 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 "The Amir Answers Them Again"?
No one replied yet.