Original Ottoman Turkish Text

Sâkiyâ çünki bekâ yok bu fenâ dünyâda
Bir iki gün sürelim bâri ayak sahrâda

In English

1. Cupbearer, since there is no permanence in this passing world, let us at least pass the cup in the open country for a day or two.

Literary and Historical Commentary

The word "ayak" is the key to the couplet. In old Turkish ayak means cup as well as its present meaning, foot; "ayak sürmek" means to pass the cup from hand to hand in a gathering. "Sahrâda ayak sürmek" can therefore be read in two ways: to pass the cup round in the open country, or to stroll there, passing the time on foot. Both meanings describe a company that goes out to the fields in spring to talk.

The couplet says in plain language a thought much worked in divan poetry, drawing an invitation to wine and conversation from the transience of the world. By bringing together the words "bekâ yok" (no permanence) and "fenâ" (passing away) the first line makes permanence and extinction collide in one sentence; the phrase "a day or two" in the second line shows the small share that can be set aside within this passing time. The two lines rhyme on "dünyâda" and "sahrâda", and the rhyme points to the opening of a ghazal. Hüsameddin gives it on its own with the note "Ve lehû". Set beside the stress on "bu dünyanın bekâsı yok" (this world has no permanence) in his tercî-i bend, the same thought is seen turned here towards pleasure instead of admonition. The poet's terms as chief scribe and his dismissals can be followed year by year in Sıdkı Mustafa Pasha.

Bibliography

Online sources