Masnavi · 12th–13th century

Majnun at Layli’s Grave

Nezami Ganjaviنظامی گنجوی

بیتی دو سه زار زار برخواند

He recited two or three verses, weeping and weeping,

اشکی دو سه تلخ تلخ بفشاند

and shed two or three bitter, bitter tears.

برداشت به‌سوی آسمان دست

He raised his hands towards the sky,

انگشت گشاد و دیده بربست

opened his fingers and closed his eyes:

کای خالق هرچه آفریده است

‘O Creator of all that is created,

سوگند به هرچه برگزیده است

I swear by all that You have chosen:

کز محنت خویش وارهانم

free me from my suffering,

در حضرت یار خود رسانم

bring me into the presence of my beloved;

آزاد کنم ز سخت‌جانی

release me from this life that will not die,

و آباد کنم به سخت‌رانی

and make me whole by a swift departure.’

این گفت و نهاد بر زمین سر

He said this, and laid his head upon the ground,

وآن تربت را گرفت در بر

and took that grave into his arms.

چون تربت دوست در بر آورد

When he had taken his beloved’s grave into his arms,

ای دوست بگفت و جان برآورد

he said, ‘O beloved,’ and gave up his soul.

او نیز گذشت از این گذرگاه

He too passed through this crossing;

وآن کیست که نگذرد بر این راه؟

and who is there who will not pass this way?

From: Layli and Majnun
Translation: Persiahaus Editors
Source: Draft translation from the Ganjoor text
Persian text: Ganjoor

A note for readers

The death of Majnun, near the end of the poem. After Layli dies, Majnun comes to her grave, prays to be released, and dies embracing it. Nezami goes on to tell how the wild beasts that had kept him company guarded his body until his people found it and buried him beside Layli.