Masnavi · 13th century

A Drop of Rain

Saadiسعدی

یکی قطره باران ز ابری چکید

A drop of rain fell from a cloud;

خجل شد چو پهنای دریا بدید

it was ashamed when it saw the breadth of the sea.

که جایی که دریاست من کیستم؟

‘Where the sea is, who am I?

گر او هست حقا که من نیستم

If it exists, then truly I do not.’

چو خود را به چشم حقارت بدید

As it looked upon itself with humble eyes,

صدف در کنارش به جان پرورید

a shell took it to its breast and nursed it with its life.

سپهرش به جایی رسانید کار

The heavens brought its fortunes to such a point

که شد نامور لؤلؤ شاهوار

that it became a famous, royal pearl.

بلندی از آن یافت کاو پست شد

It was raised high because it made itself low;

در نیستی کوفت تا هست شد

it knocked at the door of nothingness until it came to be.

تواضع کند هوشمند گزین

The wise and chosen man is humble:

نهد شاخ پر میوه سر بر زمین

the branch heavy with fruit lays its head upon the ground.

From: The Bustan (The Orchard)
Translation: Persiahaus Editors
Source: Draft translation from the Ganjoor text
Persian text: Ganjoor

A note for readers

The first story of the fourth chapter of the Bustan, on humility. It draws on the old belief that pearls grow from raindrops taken in by oysters, and makes of it a parable: the drop that thinks itself nothing is the one that is raised up. The closing image of the fruit-laden branch bowing to the ground is often quoted on its own.