NEDÎM

Let’s Walk To Sadabad

Let's bring joy to this heart that's sad and worn,

Come, my cypress, let’s walk to Sa’d-âbâd’s1 adorn.

There are three skiffs ready at the pier,

Come, my cypress, let’s walk to Sa’d-âbâd near.

Let’s laugh and play, and from this world take delight,

Drink from the New Fountain’s waters so bright.

From that dragon flows the life-giving stream's sight

Come, my cypress, let’s walk to Sa’d-âbâd’s light.

Sometimes, let’s stroll by the pool with grace,

Sometimes, let’s marvel at the Garden Palace’s face.

Sometimes, let’s sing songs, or recite with pace,

Come, my cypress, let’s walk to Sa’d-âbâd’s place.

With permission from mother for Friday prayer,

One day let’s escape the world’s cruel snare.

Wander to the pier by hidden paths rare,

Come, my cypress, let’s walk to Sa’d-âbâd’s air.

Just you, and I, and a minstrel with pure flair,

If you allow, let mad Nedim join us there.

Let’s leave friends for a day, my charming fair,

Come, my cypress, let’s walk to Sa’d-âbâd’s care.

Sapling of The Rose Garden

Oh, sapling of the rose garden!

Your lover, knows the path of your footsteps

And can never pass by

without kissing the trace of your feet.

This City Istanbul

This city Istanbul, unmatched and priceless it is,

For one of its stones, Persia's realm is a sacrifice.

A unique jewel between two seas, it lies,

If weighed against the world's sun, it justifies.

A mine of blessings, its gem is fortune, bright,

An Irem garden, its roses are honor's height.

Is paradise above or below it, who can say?

Truly, its state and sweet air are heaven's way.

Each garden, a meadow of elegance, delight,

Each corner, a gathering full of grace, bright.

It's unjust to trade it for the world's sight,

Comparing its rose gardens to heaven is not right.

Everyone there finds their desire fulfilled,

Its courtyards are refuges for the hopeful and skilled.

In its markets, knowledge is sold and bought,

Art's bazaar is a mine of wisdom, thought.

Each mosque is a mountain of divine display,

The angels' eyebrows, the prayer niches convey.

Each mosque, a sea of light, so bright,

Its lamps overflow with moon-like light.

Its fountains flow with life-giving streams,

Its hot baths bring joy and health it seems.

All its people are esteemed and refined,

Though some say a bit loveless, unkind.

Now the new, joyous world's elegance is here,

Its qualities deserve a book to make clear.

As its name suggests, it's both fortunate and prosperous.1

In Istanbul, pride and honor are continuous.

Its hills, gardens, palaces seem to be

Filled with joy, pleasure, and gaiety.

Is it possible to count Istanbul's features?

The aim is to try and list some of its leaders.

Before morning breaks

The sky turned deep blue,
Before morning breaks!

May our sorrows be light as air,
Before morning breaks!

Let’s visit the cities,

Let’s see the squares,

Let’s wander the streets,

Before morning breaks!

Beautiful, beautiful joys,

The nights offer as gifts,

Melodies are heard everywhere,

Before the time of morning!