On the translation of two bayts from “Maxzan ul-asrar”

Abstract

Institute of Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi of ANAS. Azerbaijan.
Abstract. The science of the stars was part of the knowledge system in the general education
system in the Middle Ages. Whoever knows little about this system of knowledge, understands
words only in the lexical sense, their translations and comments are not so good and accurate. The
multi-layered words of a great master such as Sheikh Nizami Ganjavi sometimes come in instead
of symbols and hints. The luminary of world literature Sheikh Nizami Ganjavi created an example
of high artistic expression in the first epic “Mahzan ul-asrar” (Treasure of secrets) with a hint of
the star Sirius.
بخوان با فلک آنشب که نشینی
پیش من افکن قدری استخوان
کاخر لاف سگیت تی زنم
دبدبۀ بندگیت می زنم
Sirius (/ˈsɪriəs/) is the brightest star in the night sky. Its name is derived from the Greek word Σείριος (Seirios, lit. 'glowing' or 'scorching'). Sirius from the Latin Sirius is the alpha star of the constellation Canis Major. (lat.α Canis Majoris). In astrology, this star symbolizes fame, luxury, the throne, high government service. On odes to praise, very high-ranking, noble and influential poets often show this star. The word “dog” in the text means the name of the constellation. Since the translator did not have astrological knowledge, he took the text literally and translated it in a way that did not correspond to the character of our great poet.
That night when you sit down at the table with the sky to taste
(my present)
Throw me some bones too.
(After all, in the end - in the end) I boast that I am your dog,
And I scream loudly that I am your slave.
And in poetic translations, the authenticity of the thoughts of Sheikh Nizami Ganjavi is distorted by the literal translation of ambiguous words.