Jury report for the translation of 'De Tuinman en de Dood' by P.N. van Eyck

The jury are happy to award the David Reid Prize to David Colmer for his translation of De Tuinman en de Dood. This is a straightforward and unaffected version that avoided all the obvious snares. P.N. van Eyck's poem seemed somewhat more of a challenge for the over forty entrants than the poem of the previous competition, Hendrik Marsman's Denkend aan Holland. This was due mainly to the strict metre and occasional ballad-like archaisms of P.N. van Eyck's poem, which did not work in versions that resorted to ‘olde’ English. Colmer has avoided this pitfall, while preserving the timeless tone of the poem. He has fulfilled what must be the central criterion of a good translation, to convey the spirit and poetry of the original. His version has captured the terror of this tale that is disguised by its slow formal metre and language. The rhymes are unforced and while he sometimes achieves this by including small interpretations of his own, these are if anything positive additions, as they make for greater naturalness, without conflicting with the spirit of the original.

In a crowded field for the runner-up, the jury felt that Judith Wilkinson was a good choice. Again her version stands out for its unforced rhymes and the fact that she seems very comfortable in following the metre of the original. Once again, a good translation depends on the translator hearing the pacing, the pauses and the metre of the original and Judith Wilkinson confidently meets these requirements.

Donald Gardner, May 2007
on behalf of the jury

The Gardener and Death

A Persian Nobleman:

This morning, with a face turned pale from fright,
My gardener rushed in, "Sir, if I might!

"At work, just now, I stopped to take a breath,
And looked up from the roses. There stood Death.

"Startled, I quickly left the work I'd planned,
But saw full well the menace of his hand.

"Lend me a horse and I will make it run.
Before night falls I'll be in Ispahan!"

This afternoon (I'd long since watched him flee),
I chanced on Death beneath a cedar tree.

When he just stood there in his cloak of grey,
I asked about the threat he'd made that day.

He smiled, "It was not threat as he surmised.
I raised my hand because I was surprised,

"To find a man here working in the sun,
Whom I must fetch tonight in Ispahan."

Translation: © David Colmer, 2007

The gardener and Death

A Persian Nobleman:

"My Lord, a moment please!" my gardener cried,
As he rushed in this morning, petrified.

"I'd pruned your roses, tending each with care,
When I looked round, I saw Death standing there.

Shaken, I ran the length of all your land,
For I had glimpsed the threat of his raised hand.

Your horse, my Lord, you must let me take flight,
So I can get to Ispahan tonight!"-

Long after he had fled ('t was growing dark),
I found Death lingering in the cedar park.

I asked the silent figure, "Why upset
My servant and lift up your hand in threat?"

"He smiled and said: my hand was never raised
This morning, when he fled. I was amazed

To find him there, absorbed in work, whose yarn
I am to cut tonight in Ispahan."

Translation: © Judith Wilkinson, 2007

Death and the Gardener

A Persian Nobleman:

This morning my gardener, face white with fright,
Rushed into the house: 'Lord, a word if I might!

Down in the rose beds, while pruning with care,
I looked around and saw Death standing there.

I started, and rushed to the garden's end,
But still glimpsed his hand about to descend.

Sir, fetch your horse, let me leave here and now,
I'll reach Ispahan by evening somehow!' –

Hours after this headlong exit was made,
I came across Death in the cedar glade.

'Why,' I asked, when he had nothing to say,
'Did you threaten my servant early today?'

'No threat,' he said, a smile in his eyes,
'Made your gardener flee. It was just a surprise

To see here calmly at work at first light
One I must claim in Ispahan at night.'

Translation: © Paul Vincent, 2007

Death and the Gardener

A Persian Nobleman:

Today my gardener, with ashen face,
rushed in the house. In fear he cried - "Your Grace!

Pruning so many roses took my breath,
for as I glanced behind me, there stood Death.

Alarmed, I hurried off that very second
but just had time to glimpse his hand that beckoned.

Please let me ride your horse, hard as I can,
by evening time I'll get to Esfahan."

At noon - he'd long since sped away by then -
there in the cedar grove was Death again.

I asked, since still he waited: "Tell me, pray:
why did you threaten my servant today?"

He gave a smile and said: "It was no threat
that made your gardener flee: I gave a start

to see him working here today - a man
I'm meant to fetch tonight from Esfahan".

Translation: © Patrick Corness, 2007

This morning the gardener, shaking with fear,
Burst into the house, seeking my ear:

I was just out pruning on the patio,
When there crossed before me Deaths shadow

Rattled I rushed to the patio gate,
But there lay his skeletal hand in wait!

I beg my lordship a horse from his stable,
By dusk Ill reach Isfahan - while Im still able.

And off he galloped, but later that day,
I saw death myself, in the cedar glade.

He stood there quite still, plain as the night,
So I asked why hed put my gardener to flight.

He turned to reply with a hollow grin,
Well imagine how startled I must have been.

When this morning I came across the very man,
Who tonight I must come for in Isfahan.

Translation: © G.H. Budden, 2007

Death and the Gardener

A Persian noble:

This morning, to my house, pale, ill at ease,
the gardener ran, "My lord, one moment please!

While pruning roses in the garden fair
I glanced behind me, Death was standing there

In shock, I hastened round the other side
But alas his threatening hand I still espied

Master, your horse, and post-haste let me ride
In Ispahan I'll be ere eventide"

This afternoon (long after he did fly)
In the cedar park I saw Death passing by

"Pray why" I asked, he waited still and grave,
"This morning didst thou threaten my poor knave?"

"It was no threat sir," smiling he replied
"From which your gardener fled. I was surprised

This morning to see working here the man
Whom tonight I should collect in Ispahan".

Translation: © Rosalind Buck, 2007

Death and the Gardener

A Persian Nobleman:

This morning, pale with fright, my gardener
Rushed in and cried, "Begging your pardon, Sir!

"Just now, down by the rosebush I was pruning,
I looked behind me, and I saw Death looming.

"Though not another moment did I linger,
Before I fled, he raised a threatening finger.

"Your horse, Sir – I'll ride swiftly as I can
And by tonight I'll be in Isfahan!"

This afternoon, long after he had gone,
I found Death by the cedars on the lawn,

Breaking his silence in the fading light,
I asked, "Why give my servant such a fright?"

He smiled at me and said, "Though in his eyes
It may have seemed a threat, it was surprise

"To see, at work this morn, the very man
I'm meant to meet tonight in Isfahan."

Translation: © David McKay, 2007

Death and the gardener

A Persian nobleman said:

This morning my gardener, pale with fright
hastened into my home: 'Lord, o lord, one moment if I might!

Yonder in your garden of roses, I pruned shoots, one after the other,
Then I turned around. And was faced with Death, o bother.

He scared me and I hurried down the other side,
But for his threatening hand I could not hide.

Lord, your horse, please, let me take to flight,
so I will reach Isphahan well before night!'

Later this afternoon (he was long gone)
I met with Death at the cedars beyond my lawn.

'Why,' I asked him, for he waited and kept silent,
'Did you treat my servant this morning so violent?'

He smiled and answered: 'No threat, whatever your gardener surmised,
and made him flee. Rather, I was surprised,

To see him working here quietly early this morn',
when I am supposed to fetch him in Isphahan before dawn.'

Translation: © Gea Scheperkeuter, 2007

Death and the Gardener

A Persian nobleman:

This morning my gardener, chalk-white from dread,
burst into my house. "M'Lord! M'Lord, just a minute," he said. .

"Out in the arbour, as I pruned rose after rose,
Death came up behind me, and stood very close.

I retreated in haste, along the far side,
what I saw left me even more terrified. .

Master, your horse! If I spur him on
we'll arrive before night falls in Isfahan."

This afternoon (he was already long gone)
I met Death in the park walking alone.

"Why," I inquired, Death guarding his silence,
"did you sow panic, hinting clearly at violence?"

Smiling, he replied, "It was no threat from me
That induced your gardener to flee.

It surprised me to find him here
still at work in your garden,

As if he'd forgotten our having a date
far away later today in Isfahan..

Translation: © Don Bloch, 2007

The Gardener and the Reaper

A Persian nobleman:

This morning my gardener, looking pale
Came to me: 'Lord, one moment!' he did wail

'In yonder rosary, while working there
I looked around, and caught Death's chilly stare

I shrank and ran, but noticed as I went
The menacing, still movement of his hand

Master, please, your horse, and let me cross the plane
And before nightfall I will reach Ispahane!'

This afternoon (he'd long since spurred my bay)
In my garden I met Death on his way

'Why,' I enquire, for he's hushed until then
'Did you early this morning scare my man?'

Smiling, he says: 'No menace made him flee.
My gesture was caused by surprise to see

Him quietly working, free from curse or bane
That I will summon, tonight in Ispahane.'

Translation: © Rob Oostenrijk, 2007

Death and the Gardener

A Persian Nobleman:

This morning, my gardener, deathly pale,
Rushed in for a moment to tell me his tale.

"While tending your rosebed and pruning with care,
I glanced o'er my shoulder and saw Death standing there.

Shaking with fear, to the woods I did flee,
But Death's hand still beckoned, threatening me.

Master, O Master, pray lend me your steed.
To old Ispahan I must ride at full speed!"

His wish long since granted, 'neath my cedars I strolled.
I too met the Reaper and my blood ran cold.

He stood there in silence, so I asked him to say
Why he'd threatened my gardener earlier that day.

Smiling he answered: "Your gardener took fright,
But it wasn't my threat that prompted his flight.

It amazed me to meet in your garden the man
Whom I planned to fetch later in old Ispahan!"

Translation: © Sheila McNab, 2007

The gardener and Death

A Persian Nobleman:

This morning, deathly pale, my gardener flees
Into my house: " Sir, sir, one moment, please!

Back in the rose garden, to my distress,
While pruning shoots I turned, and there stood Death.

Frightened, along the other side I ran,
But saw the threatening gesture of his hand.

Master, your horse, I'll dash off so I can
Before the evening be in Isfahan!"-

This afternoon (long after he had left)
't Was in the cedar park that I met Death.

He waits in silence. "Why did you," I say
"Threaten my servant earlier this day?"

"It was no threat," he smilingly replies,
"That made your gardener flee. I was surprised

To see at morn still working here the man
I was to fetch at dusk in Isfahan."

Translation: © Renée Delhez, 2007

The gardener and Death

A Persian Knight:

This morning my gardener rushes, deathly pale,
Into my home: "Sir, Sir, please hear my tale!

Yonder, in the rosary, I caught my breath,
When I looked back. For there stood Death.

For fear I passed the opposite side and fast-moving went,
But yet I just saw the threat of his hand.

Master, your horse, and let me go as fast as I can,
Before it gets dark I must reach Ispahan!" -

This afternoon (long after he had fled from here), hark:
I met Death himself in the cedar park.

"Why," so I ask, because he waits and stays quiet,
"Is it this morning thou hast threatened my valet?"

Smiling he answers: "Not upon threat the fear was based,
What made your gardener flee. I was amazed,

To see in the morning who was still clipping roses: the man
I, at night, had to fetch from Ispahan."

Translation: © Dick Boersema, 2007

Death and the Gardener

A Persian Nobleman:

This morning my gardener, with trembling knees,
Came rushing in: "Sir, Sir, one moment please!

While trimming the roses," he said out of breath,
"I turned my head backwards. Behind me stood Death.

I jumped up and hurried away in alarm,
But still caught a glimpse of his threatening arm.

Let me leave on your horse as fast as I can
When darkness falls I'll be in Ispahan!" –

This afternoon (hours had passed since he'd gone)
I happened on Death in the cedar lawn.

"Why," I queried, for he gazed silently,
"Did you threaten my servant so violently?"

"No threat," he replied, a smile on his face,
"Made your gardener flee. I was amazed

To see calmly at work here the very man,
Whom tonight I must fetch in Ispahan."

Translation: © Gerard Klooster, 2007

Death and the Gardener

A Persian nobleman:

This morning my gardener, white-faced with fear,
Scurries into my house: "Lord, Lord, listen here!

In yonder rose-bower, pruning briars with care,
Behind me I glanced. It was Death standing there.

I jumped, and dashed to the far side in fright
Yet caught a glimpse of his hand, that was threatening to smite.

Master, your horse! I'll ride fast as I can –
Ere nightfall I'll make it to Isfahan!"

'Tis past midday when (he fled hours ago)
I come upon Death in the cedar-tree grove.

Since he silently waits, "Wherefore," I demand,
"Didst threaten this morning my hired hand?"

Smiling, he answers, "What made your man flee
Was no threat. I was startled to see

Him at work here this morning, when according to plan
I'm to take him this evening – in Isfahan."

Translation: © Hester Velmans, 2007

The gardener and Death

A Persian nobleman:

This morning my gardener hies, with trembling knees,
Into my house: "Lord, Lord, one moment please!

Down in the rosary, I paused to catch my breath,
Then I looked behind me. There was Death.

I was scared and rushed towards the other side,
But yet I saw the threat that he implied.

Master, your horse, let me go in flight,
I will arrive in Isfahan before the night." -

This afternoon (long he had been gone)
I have met Death beneath the cedars on the lawn.

"Why," I ask, as he keeps still and waits,
"Have you threatened my hand in desperate straits?"

"No threat it was," smiling he replies,
"Which your gardener fled. It was surprise,

That with dawn I found here calm at work, the one,
That with dusk I had to take in Isfahan."

Translation: © Ingrid Kielen, 2007

A Persian Nobleman

My gardener flees into my house at dawn,
"A moment, please," he pleas with face both white and drawn.

"Just now, whilst pruning roses I did see
Death's spectral figure, standing over me.

In deepest shock I sped the other way,
But still his threatening hand my heart did stay.

Lend me your horse, and I will spur its power
To reach Ispahaan before the evening hour."

This afternoon, (my servant then long flown)
I met Death's shim where cedar trees are grown.

"Why threaten him with loss of life so fair?"
  I ask in face of Death's most silent stare.

"It was no threat that made your gardener flee,
But pure surprise I felt," he smiled at me.

"To find the one at work so far away
That I must fetch from Ispahaan at end of day."

Translation: © Lynne den Hartog, 2007

A Persian Nobleman:

In rushed my gardener from this morning's dew,
White as a ghost seeking refuge, "Sir, Sir, a word with you!

Down in the rose arbour, pruning shoot after shoot,
I glanced around and Death behind me stood.

I jumped, and hastened off along the other side,
But yet caught a glimpse of his raised scythe.

Master, your horse, let me forthwith be gone,
Before sunset I shall reach Ispahan!"

This afternoon (he was long galloped thence)
I met Death in the cedar'd park and hence

Asked outright, for silent sentinel stood he, "Pray why
At early light did you my servant terrify?"

With a grimace came his reply, "No vain threat dismayed
Your gardener and forced him flee. I was amazed

At dawn to find still calmly working here this man,
He who this evening I must claim in Ispahan."

Translation: © Kate Ashton, 2007

A Persian Nobleman

Into my house this morn rushed my gardener,
White with fear, "Sir, please, a moment hear!"

There in the rose garden, pruning stem on stem,
I looked behind and saw Death standing then.

Startled, I hurried to the further edge,
But turned just to see his hand raised in threat.

Master, your horse, let me go with all speed,
That I may reach Isfahan before eve.

Long departed was he, when, after noon,
I came upon Death in the cedar wood.

"Why," asked I, for he stood silent in wait,
"Did you this morning my man so afright?"

Smiling he answered me: "That was no threat
That made your man flee. Amazed was I yet,

To see this morn the same man at his toil
Who at eve in Isfahan I must recall.

Translation: © P.Simkins, 2007

Death and the Gardener

A Persian noble:

One morning, my gardener, white with fear,
Made haste to my house: "O Lord! O hear!

Among the roses, as I pruned new wood,
I looked behind me. There Death stood.

I leapt with alarm to yonder side,
but still he beckoned; I couldn't hide.

Please sir, your horse, and at a dead run
by evening I can reach Ispahaan!" -

Encountering Death that afternoon
among the cedars (my man long gone)

I asked--since Death so mutely waits--"Why
did you threaten that servant of mine?"

Smiling, he answered: "I made no threat
but I admit I was surprised by it

When here, this morning, I saw quietly stand
my work tonight in Ispahaan."

Translation: © Chris Wilson, 2007

Death and the Gardener

A Persian nobleman:

This morning rushed my gardener, pale with fear,
Into my house: 'Sir, sir, lend me your ear.

While pruning in yon rose-court with great care,
I turned to look behind me. Death stood there.

I started, and ran down the other side,
But still his threatening gesture caught my eye.

Master, your horse, please grant my hurried leave;
I shall reach Isfahan before the eve.'

This afternoon (he had long since rushed thither),
I chanced upon Death in the park of cedar.

'Why,' I asked, for he was waiting, silent,
'Did you this morning threaten my poor servant?'

Smiling, he replied, 'It was no threat,
'From which your gardener fled. 'Twas I who met

With shock to see the calmly working man
I was to fetch tonight in Isfahan.'

Translation: © Diane Webb, 2007

The Gardener and Death

A Persian Nobleman:

My gardener this morning, rushed in here
crying: 'Master, please, lend me your ear!

I was pruning the roses, when I turned my head
And there, behind me, I saw Death.

Terrified, I hurried to the other end
Catching a glimpse of his outstretched hand.

Master, your horse, please let me get away
So I can be in Ispahan by close of day!'

This afternoon (my gardener had long gone)
among the cedars I saw Death walking along.

'Why,' I asked him as he stood forlorn,
'Did you threaten my gardener this morn'?'

'It was no threat,' he smiled, 'as your gardener surmised,
I raised my hand because I was surprised

To see at work this morning, here, the very one
I was to fetch that night in Ispahan.'

Translation: © Josephine Vincent, 2007

Death and the Gardener

From a Persian Nobleman:

This morning my gardener, with a shriek,
Runs into my house: "Lord, lord, I must speak!

Out in the rosary pruning thorns, I felt a breath
and turned to look behind me: There stood Death.

Terrified, I dropped my sheers and ran
But still I saw the threatening gesture of his hand.

Master, please, your horse! And fast as it can,
Carry me this very evening to Isfahan!"

He was long gone by afternoon, and for good
When I encountered Death myself, in the wood.

Since he was silent, I asked him, "Why,"
Didst thou scare my servant and make him fly?"

"I made no threat," he answered with smiling guise,
"To your servant then. It only took me by surprise,

To see silently at work this morning, the man
I must fetch this evening from Isfahan.

Translation: © Nina Siegal, 2007

The Gardener and Death



This morn my gardener, white with fright,
Rushed in with cries: 'I must take flight!'

'Spreading manure and holding my breath
I looked behind me and saw Death!

'I shook with fright, fell in the sand,
But still I saw his awful hand!

'Master, a horse! I think I can
Be by tonight in Isfahan!'

Then, thinking of rhymes to please my readers,
I caught sight of Death among the cedars.

'Was that meant to be a warning
You gave my gardener this morning?'

He answered: 'No, I realize
That I was taken by surprise,

When I met here the very man
I am to fetch in Isfahan.'

Translation: © Jan Salie, 2007

The Gardener and Death

A Persian Nobleman:

This morning, raved my gardener, white of fright,
In my home: 'Lord, Lord, give me just a while!

Yonder, in the rose yard, I cut shoot by shoot,
Then I turned around and saw that there Death stood.

I was frightened, hastily away I went,
But yet in vision, was the threat from his hand.

Master, your horse, now please, I need to run,
Before night falls, I will've reached Isfahan!' -

This afternoon, whilst he was long gone, I
Met Death in the cedar park, thus I asked: 'Why

hast thou', as he waits and remains silent,
'Early in the morning, threatened my servant?'

Smiling he answers: 'No threat it was,
Wherefore your gardener fled, I was surprised,

To see in silence this morning, the man,
As the one I'd meet tonight in Isfahan.'

Translation: © Janneke Baarda, 2007

The Gardener and the Grim Reaper

A Persian Nobleman:

Early today my gardner rushes, pale with great unease,
Into my dwelling: My Lord, my Lord, spare me one moment please!

Yonder in the rosebeds, I was pruning stems and shoots,
When suddenly I looked behind. There the Grim Reaper stood.

I hurried down another path in shock and great alarm
But still I saw the gesture of forbidding from his arm.

Master, your horse, I beg, and by your leave I might,
With fastest pace before light fades reach Ispahaan tonight!

This afternoon (long since he'd fled)
When strolling through the cedar trees, where I, the Reaper met.

But tell me why, I ask of him, as silently he stood,
Did you approach my man this morn in so menacing a mood?

He smiles and says: No threat it was From which your gardner bolted,
Twas I, much jolted,

To have the one, still toiling here this morning, in my sight,
But destined for my reaping from Ispahaan this night.

Translation: © Janine Allis-Smith, 2007

The Gardener And Death

A Persian Nobleman:

This morning my gardener rushes, ill at ease,
Into my home: “sire, sire, one moment please!

Yonder, in the garden, pruning rose after rose,
I looked behind me. There but Death arose.

I was startled and sped along the other end,
But just caught the threatening of his hand.

Master, your horse, now, to let me ride away
I’ll arive in Ispahaan before the end of day!”

This afternoon (long after he had gone)
In the cedarpark Death I chanced upon.

He quietly waits. “when this day began”
I ask, “why did you threaten my man?”

He smiled and answered: “ It was no threat
But my surprise from which your servant fled.

To find here peacefully working, I did not expect,
Who in Ispahaan this evening I was to collect.

Translation: © Hannelly Krutwagen-Lemmens, 2007

Death and the gardener

A Persian nobleman

This morning my gardener, white as plaster,
Comes rushing in: 'Oh, please hear me, Master!

Yonder in the rosary as I was cutting shoots,
Over my shoulder I saw Death standing in his boots.

I took great fright, and hurried along the other side,
For the menace of his hand I could scarcely hide.

Master, your horse, I must away without delay
Reaching Isfahan will take at least one day!'

When he had long been gone, (sure to arrive there soon)
I came across Death in the cedar park that afternoon.

'Why', I ask because he waits, without a word,
'Didst this morning threaten my servant as I heard?'

He answers with a smile: 'There was no threat,
I was much surprised when your gardener fled,

To see one here so quietly working on his flowers
That I had to get at Isfahan within just a few hours.'

Translation: © Ruud Maltha, 2007

The Gardener and death

A Persian Nobleman:

This morning my gardener - the colour of a sheet - entered my dwelling;
raving: "My Lord, My Lord, one moment!", sounding very compelling!

"Yonder in de rosebushes, I was clipping shoot after shoot,
when I looked behind me. There... Death stood.

I jumped and hurried to the other side of the trail
still saw the threat of his morbid hand, so pale.

Master, your horse, and let me swiftly gallop away.
Before dusk, I'll have reached Ispahaan, I dare say!"

At noon (long yet had he sped)
't was in the Cedar Park that I met Death.

"Why?" I asked, for he waits and does not a word utter,
"did you threaten my servant, making him shudder."

"No threat it was", he smilingly replied,
"for which your gardener fled. But I was mystified

to see the man at dawn, quietly working at ease
who at dusk, in Ispahaan, I would have to seize.

Translation: © Lilith Kenis, 2007

The gardener and death

A Persian Nobleman:

This morning my gardener scurried, white with fright,
My residence in: "Master, Master, a minute!

Yonder, in the rose garden, I was pruning leaf after leaf,
When I looked behind me. There stood Death.

I started, and along the other side hastened,
But saw still just the menace of his hand.

Master, your horse, and let me at full speed be gone,
Before evening falls I will reach Isfahan!" -

This afternoon (he had hastened away long before)
In the cedar park Death did I encounter.

"Wherefore," thus I asked, for he waited and was silent,
"Did you early this morning menace my servant?"

Smiling he answered: "No menace was it,
Wherefore your gardener fled. I was astonished,

When I saw here this morning still at work standing,
He whom I must collect at Isfahan in the evening."

Translation: © Sari Cunningham, 2007

Death and the Gardener

A Persian nobleman relates:

This morning the gardener with trembling knees
Burst into the house: "Sir! Sir! Help me, please!

In your fine rosebeds yonder, I was pruning away
When I spun right around and saw Death, clear as day.

I started, and hastened back 'long the far side
Yet still caught a glimpse of the threatening scythe.

Your steed, my dear Master, and your leave, I implore,
That I might by nightfall reach Isfahan's shore!"

Later that day (he had long since sped off)
I saw Death myself in the Woods up the bluff.

"Why," I dared ask, as he stood silent and still,
"Did you threaten my hand as he labored down the hill?"

"'Twas no threat at all," he replied and then chortled.
"Your gardener fled, true, but it was I who was startled

To encounter the man working hard here today
I'm to come for tonight over Isfahan way."

Translation: © the language girl, 2007

Death and the Gardener

from a Persian nobleman

This morning I woke to my gardeners shrieks;
he ran into my house, crying, Sir, may I speak?

Just now, pruning roses, I felt a chill breath.
When I looked behind me, behind me was Death.

I gasped. Dropped my bypass pruners, and ran.
But I can still see the cruel lift of that hand.

Please, lend me your horse, sir! As quick as I can,
I want to be off, safe in Isfahan!

I said Of course, wished him godspeed and good health,
and took a walk through the cedars, where I saw Death myself.

He seemed preoccupied, silent. I asked, What was gained
by scaring my gardener? What did you say?

He smiled and shook his great hooded head.
I was startled to see him. I didnt expect

to see, pruning your roses, the very same man
Im meeting this evening in Isfahan.

Translation: © Jill McDonough, 2007

The gardener and Death

A Persian nobleman:

This morning my gardener, pale from fear,
Rushed into my home: "Sir, sir, listen here!

There, in the rose yard, trimming shoot after shoot,
I looked over my shoulder, where Death stood.

Seized with alarm, 'round the other side I sped,
Only just capturing that he posed a threat.

Master, your horse, for I must leave and run,
To reach before nightfall the city of Esfahan!" -

That afternoon (not long before dark)
I encountered Death in the cedar park.

"Why," I ask, for he'll just silently wait,
"Did you, this morning, threaten my aid?"

He replied with a smile: "It wasn't the threat,
why your gardener fled. I was merely surprised,

"To see working here this morning bright,
The one to collect in Esfahan tonight."

Translation: © Maarten Jacobs, 2007

The gardener and death



At morning ran my gardener, white with fear,
Into my rooms: "My lord, one moment, hear!

Pruning now the rose beds length and breadth,
I turned to look behind me. There stood Death.

Afraid I passed in haste along the plot of land
But still just caught the menace of his hand.

Master, your horse and let me swift be gone
Before the evening falls I can reach Isfahan!"

At midday (when he had long sped hence)
Walking in the cedar park on Death I chanced

"Why then", I ask him as he silent stands,
"Did you this morning threaten so my man ?"

Smiling faint he answers "'Twas no threat
From which your gardener fled. It surprised me yet,

This morning here to see still working on,
He whom I was to fetch this night in Isfahan. "

Translation: © Kath Brown, 2007

The Gardener and Death

A Persian Nobleman:

Early this morning my gardener, pale with fright,
Rushed into my home: "My Lord, a moment, if I might!

Yonder, in the rosary, I cut shoot after shoot,
Then I looked behind me. There Death stood.

Startled, along the other side I sped,
But only just saw his hand's threat with dread.

Master, please, your horse, and let me be off posthaste,
I'll reach Ispahan before night, no time to waste!"-

This afternoon (he had long since sped from here)
I met Death in the cedargrounds I hold dear.

"Why," I ask him, for he waits and keeps mum,
"did thou threaten my servant? Why did thou come?"

Smiling he answers: "A threat it was not,
that made your servant flee. Surprise was my lot,

When, early in the morning, I still saw quietly working here,
The one I was to collect in Ispahan at night, nowhere near."

Translation: © Anne-Marieke Buijs, 2007

The Gardener and Death

A Persian Noble:

This morning my gardener, pale with fright,
speeds into my home: "Lord, Lord, if I might!
Yonder, in the rose garden, I pruned a shoot,
Then I looked behind me. There Death stood.
I started, and hastened away upset,
But I could just perceive his hand's threat.
Master, your horse, and let me take the reign,
Before night falls I will reach Espain!" —
This afternoon (when he had long embark'd
on his flight) I met Death in the cedar park.
"Why," I ask, for he waits and stands silent,
"This morning didst thou threaten my servant?"
Smiling he replies: "A threat it was not,
made your gardener flee. A surprise I got,
When on the morn I here saw at work remain,
Who on the eve I had to fetch from Espain."

Translation: © Bernard Vehmeyer, 2007

The gardener and Death

A Persian Nobleman:

This morning my gardener rushes, pale with fear,
Into my home: "Lord, my Lord, one moment please!

Over there, in the rose garden, I was cutting twig by twig,
Then I looked behind. There he stood: Death.

I was frightened, and hurried along the other side,
But just saw the threatening of his hand.

Lord, your horse, and let me leave at once,
Before sunset I will reach Ispahan!"-

This afternoon (long after he had run off)
I met Death in the cedar parc.

"Why?", thus I ask, as he is waiting in silence,
"Did thou threaten my servant this morning?"

With a smile he answers: "No threat it was,
Your gardener fled for. I was surprised,

When I saw this morning, still quietly working,
The one I had to pick up in Ispahan at night."

Translation: © Edward Krabbendam
& Henny van den Steen van Ommeren - Krabbendam, 2007

Death and the gardener



This morning, white with fear, my gardener flees
Into my home: "Lord, Lord, one moment please!

In the rosarium, I pruned each bed,
Then turned and looked behind me. There stood Death.

I turned and fled, since feeling quite unmanned,
Though could not help but glimpse his threatening hand.

Master, your horse, release me from my plight,
I will reach Ispahan before the night!"

This afternoon — when off he'd long since sped —
Walking among my cedars, I met Death.

"Why," I ask him, for silently he waits,
"Your threat this early morn, as my man states?"

"No threat it was," he answers as he smiles,
"That made your gardener flee. I was surprised

That in the morn there worked with all his might
The one I'll fetch in Ispahan tonight."

Translation: © Ivy Manning, 2007

Death and the Gardener

A Persian nobleman:

This morn' my gardener pale with fright
Rushed into my home: "Sir, wait! he cried.

Then, in the rose garden pruning the buds,
When I looked behind me. There Death was.

Aghast, I hurried along the other side,
But still caught a glimpse of certain demise.

Sir, your horse, and let me go full speed,
Ispahaan I will reach before the eve!" -

This afternoon (he was already long gone)
In the cedar park, it was Death I came upon.

"Why", I ask, as he did quietly stay,
"Did you threaten my servant early this day?"

With a smile he answers: "It was not a threat,
From which your gardener fled. I was met

With shock this morning, when I saw working the man,
Who tonight I should have got in Ispahaan.

Translation: © Suzanne Roberts, 2007

The Gardener and Death

A Persian Nobleman:

This morning my gardener hastened, pale faced,
Into my house: Lord, lord, one moment!

Yonder, in the rose court, I pruned shoot after shoot,
Then I looked behind me. There Death stood.

I was frightened, and hurried along the other side,
Yet still saw his threatening hand.

Master, your horse, and let me go at once,
Before the evening I'll reach Isfahan!" —

This afternoon (long since his rushing off)
I met Death in the cedar park.

'Why,' I ask, because he waits and does not speak,
'Did thou threaten my servant early this morning?'

Smiling he answers: 'No threat it was,
For which your gardener fled. I was surprised,

When in the morning I found still working quietly him,
Which that night I had to fetch in Isfahan.'

Translation: © Koert Kerkhoff, 2007

Death and the gardener

A Persian nobleman:

This morn my gardener, face blanched with fright,
Comes rushing in: “My Lord, Master, a moment for my plight!

In yon courtyard garden, pruning roses shoot by shoot,
I happened to glance behind me. It was Death that there stood.

I froze, and made haste along the farther side,
But just caught a glimpse of his threatening scythe.

Master, your steed, bid me Godspeed I pray,
For I must reach Isphahan before the end of day!”

This afternoon (surely he’d be there before dark)
I chanced upon Death in Cedar Park.

“Why,” I ask, for he waits and is still,
“Didst thou threaten my man in the morning chill?”

His smile was wry: “Dread was not why
Your gardener fled. Astonished was I,

When I saw him here still at work in morn’s air,
For it’s he I must get this eve from Isphahan’s lair.”

Translation: © Ninette de Zylva, 2007

Death and the Gardener

A Persian Nobleman:

This morning came my gardener, white with fear,
With haste into my home: One moment, Sir!

O’er there, in the rose court, pruning shoot on shoot,
I looked behind to find that Death there stood.

I started, hastening past the other border,
Just catching sight of his hand’s boding gesture.

Master, allow me the use of your steed,
Ill make Ispahaan tonight, riding full-speed!

Then this afternoon (while he long since drove)
I chanced upon Death in the cedar grove.

So I ask him, Why, for he’s waiting, quiet,
Hast thou this early morn filled my man with fright?

He answers with a smile: It was no threat your gardener fled.
t Was I who flinched instead,

When on this morn I saw at work the one,
Whom I this eve should fetch in Ispahaan.

Translation: © J. R. J. Eyck, 2007

The Gardener and Death

A Gentleman of Persia:

This morning came my gardener, pale with fright,
Into my house: 'Sir, Sir, one moment, if I might!

'There, 'mongst the roses, pruning out dead wood
I turned and looked behind. And there Death stood.

'I jumped, and hurried down the other side,
But still his threatening gesture I espied.

'Master, your horse, I'll ride as quick as can:
Ere falls the night I must reach Ispahan!'

This afternoon (he'd long since hastened hence)
I saw Death 'mongst the cedars, by the fence.

'Wherefore', I ask, for silently he waits,
'Didst thou this morn my servant scare with threats?'

Smiling says he: 'It was no threat I made
From which thy gardener fled. I was dismayed

'When early on I saw still working here the one
Whom I must take tonight in Ispahan.'

Translation: © Harry Lake, 2007

Death and the Gardener

A Persian nobleman:

Early today my gardener, white with fear,
rushed in to me: "Lord, Lord, I beg you, hear!

"While gard'ning, as I paused to catch my breath
I looked o'er my shoulder… and saw Death.

I started, turned, and ran in great alarm:
I'd seen the threatening movement of his arm!

Lend me your horse, Sir. Then I can
before night falls, be safe in Isfahan!'

This afternoon (long had the fellow gone)
among the cedar trees, 't was Death I came upon.

"Why", did I ask, since nothing he would say,
"did you intimidate my gardener today?"

He smiled: "No threat it was, as he surmised.
I simply could not help being surprised

to see, still quietly at work, the man
I was to fetch tonight in Isfahan."

Translation: © Barbara Cowan, 2007

Le Jardinier et la Mort

Un gentilhomme Persan:

Ce matin mon jardinier, livide, effaré,
Se précipite chez moi : « Maître, maître, écoutez !

Là-bas dans les rosiers, que je taillais encor,
Je n’en crus pas mes yeux. C’était bien elle : la Mort.

J’eus peur et voulus prendre par l’autre côté,
Mais j’aperçus sa main soudain me menacer.

Maître, votre cheval, je pars immédiatement,
Au galop je serai ce soir à Ispahan. »

Ce midi (il était parti depuis longtemps)
Je vis la Mort parmi mes cèdres du Liban.

Pourquoi, lui demandé-je, car elle attend, se tait,
Avez-vous ce matin effrayé mon laquais ?

Souriant, elle répondit : « Point ma menace, pardi,
Fit fuir le jardinier. J’étais abasourdie

De voir, tôt ce matin, bêcher paisiblement
Celui qu’il me faut prendre ce soir à Ispahan. »

Translation: © Hepzibah Kousbroek, 2007

Death and the Gardener

Early this morning he burst in on me,
White with fear. “My lord! I must flee!

“Just now, while I was deadheading the rose,
I saw Death itself behind me. I froze,

“Let fall my basket and paring-knife;
He stretched out a hand; I fled for my life.

“My lord, I'm not ready to breathe my last breath!
I beg you — a horse, to outrun Death!”

He galloped off, a hard day's ride
To Ispahan. — Later, I too spied

Death, in the cedar park, pale and grave,
And scolded him for threatening my slave.

Placidly he smiled. “My lord, I beg your pardon.
“When I met your fellow in the garden,

“ 'Twas no threat; I was merely taken aback
to see him still at work. He has a real knack!

“My own appointment with the man
Is not until tonight, in Ispahan.”

Translation: © Andrew Hewitt, 2007