I agree, BranShe. Poems have transcendent meanings that when transliterated become something other than the same poem.

Here in example is a quatrain of Fitzgerald's Rubaiyat inspired by the writings of Omar Khayyam along with another poet's attempts at poetic translation.

Literal

Signs of destiny have always been
Those hands inscribed both good and mean
What was written, came from the unseen
Though we tried without and worried within.


Meaning

One is great
Who faces fate
Before it’s late,
Appreciate
The destined state
No matter how much we debate
Oppose, engage, or calculate
Even try to accelerate
Fate only moves at its own rate.
Futile is worry, anger and hate
Joy is the only worthy mate.



Fitzgerald

The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all your Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it.



German

O Herz, da die Welt nichts als Schatten und Schein
Warum quälst Du Dich ab in unendlicher Pein?
Mit ruhigem Sinn geh‘ dem Schicksal entgegen
Und glaub nicht, es ändere sich Deinetwegen!

From this site, O Saki ... PRESTO!

Last edited by themilum; 02/09/07 12:07 AM.