It’s been a while, my friends. I’ve mostly spent my time finishing off a translation project (more on this in the coming months) and getting absolutely pummelled in chess (hopefully less of this in the coming months). So I thought I’d come back with a bang and share one of my original translations. It’s one that I’m proud of, so I hope you guys enjoy it.
For this translation I’ve followed the translation method for ghazals (lyrics) used by Dick Davis.
Final note: If any publishers happen to read this, then I would be more than happy to translate an anthology of ghazals belonging to Saʿdī :)
Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when published
Ghazal 31 چه فتنه بود که حسن تو در جهان انداخت که یک دم از تو نظر بر نمیتوان انداخت What boundless strife has your beauty hurled into the world? All eyes upon you, gazes not for a moment unfurled بلای غمزه نامهربان خونخوارت چه خون که در دل یاران مهربان انداخت Your cruel and blood lusting glances have torn your lovers apart Oh, what blood have you poured into these gentle lovers hearts? ز عقل و عافیت آن روز بر کران ماندم که روزگار حدیث تو در میان انداخت My good health and sound mind were cast aside on that day When tales of your beauty spread and upon me took sway نه باغ ماند و نه بستان که سرو قامت تو برست و ولوله در باغ و بوستان انداخت All traces of groves and gardens were from my mind erased When your grand cypress sprouted and caused a clamour upraised تو دوستی کن و از دیده مفکنم زنهار که دشمنم ز برای تو در زبان انداخت Grant me a glint of affection, and avert not your gaze! For my rival has for your sake sullied my name in disgrace به چشمهای تو کان چشم کز تو برگیرند دریغ باشد بر ماه آسمان انداخت By your eyes I swear, that naught but regret will stalk the eyes That glimpsed you and thereupon sought the dull moon in the sky همین حکایت روزی به دوستان برسد که سعدی از پی جانان برفت و جان انداخت Someday this story shall reach the ears of our good friends That Saʿdī for his beloved his life he did expend
Please share your thoughts on the translation! Was it enjoyable? Did it flow well? Was it so bad that I should rip up all my other drafts?
For Persian speakers, let me know what you think of the translation: Was it good? Was it crap? Or maybe somewhere in the middle? How can it be improved? What modifications would you make?
And finally, if anyone wants to learn more about Saʿdī then have a listen to the latest episode of the Abbasid History podcast where I speak more about the poet and his works :)
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.