Social Commentaries
Ne'er a Corner for the Plaintive Bulbul's Nest
Translated by E. J. W. Gibb (1882) · From Ottoman Poems (1882)
Ne'er a corner for the plaintive bulbul's nest remaineth now;
Ne'er a palm-tree 'neath whose kindly shade is rest remaineth now.
Day and night some balm I've sought for, to relieve my wounded heart;
Ne'er a cure within the Heavens' turquoise chest remaineth now.
From its source, through every country, searched have I, but all in vain —
Ne'er a single drop, in mercy's fountain blest, remaineth now.
Empty earthen pots are reckoned one with jewels rich and rare;
Ne'er a scale in value's mart the worth to test remaineth now.
'Neath the earth may now the needy hide themselves, Nâbî, away:
Ne'er a turret on the fort of interest remaineth now.
Codex Note
Gazel.
Cite this poem
MLA
Nâbî. “Ne'er a Corner for the Plaintive Bulbul's Nest.” Translated by E. J. W. Gibb. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/nabi/1/.
Chicago
Nâbî. “Ne'er a Corner for the Plaintive Bulbul's Nest.” Translated by E. J. W. Gibb. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/nabi/1/.
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