Number 7

Iraqi style
English

Number 7

If a Tatar kills a coward, no one should turn around and kill the Tatar. How long must he be like the bridge of Baghdad, water flowing beneath him and people trampling his back?
Explanation: The 'bridge of Baghdad' image mocks a passive, spineless man who lets everyone walk over him. The Tatar reference evokes the feared Mongol invaders.

Original · Persian

شمارهٔ ۷

تَتَری گر کُشد مُخَنَّث را تَتَری را دگر نباید کُشت
‌چند باشد چو جِسرِ بغدادش ‌آب در زیر و آدمی در پشت؟