I have heard that recently an old man,
At his advanced age, fancied the idea of marrying.
He sought the hand of a young, beautiful girl named Goher,
Whose precious beauty was hidden from the eyes of men like a pearl in a shell.
As is customary for weddings, there was much spectacle,
But with the first attempt, the old man’s cane fell.
He drew his bow but failed to hit the target,
For one cannot sew thick garments with a frail needle.
He began to complain to his friends,
Asserting that this mischievous girl had destroyed his household.
A great conflict arose between husband and wife,
So much so that it reached the magistrate, and Saadi said:
“After all this disgrace and shame, the fault lies not with the girl.
If your hand trembles, how could you possibly thread the pearl?
The sea would be most beneficial if not for the fear of waves,
The rose would be delightful if not for the anxiety of thorns.
Last night, I strutted like a peacock in the garden of union,
But today, from the pain of separation, I twist like a snake."
