Quatrain 5 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi

Analysis of the Quatrain

This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi delves deep into the complexities of human emotions, particularly love and desire. Let's break down each line:

Line 1: دل می‌رود و دیده نمی‌شاید دوخت

"The heart wanders and the eye cannot be sewn shut."
This line beautifully captures the restlessness of the heart when consumed by love. The image of "sewing shut the eye" symbolizes the futile attempt to control one's emotions. The heart, being intangible,

Line 2: چون زهد نباشد نتوان زرق فروخت

"Without asceticism, one cannot sell off adornments."
This line introduces a philosophical dimension. It suggests that to truly let go of worldly desires, one must practice asceticism. The "adornments" here symbolize superficial attachments or desires.

Line 3: پروانهٔ مستمند را شمع نسوخت

"The needy moth was not burned by the candle."
This line presents a paradox. The moth, being consumed by its desire for light, is often seen as the one that suffers. However, Saadi suggests a different perspective.

Line 4: آن سوخت که شمع را چنین می‌افروخت

"It was the one who lit the candle who was consumed."
Here, Saadi turns the conventional narrative on its head. It's not the moth, but the one who lit the candle (perhaps symbolizing the lover or the one who is loved) who is truly consumed. This suggests that the giver of love often suffers more than the receiver.

Themes explored in the quatrain:

The power of love: Love is depicted as a force that can consume and control one's heart and mind.
The nature of desire: The quatrain explores the complexities of desire and the consequences of pursuing it.
The role of asceticism: Asceticism is presented as a means to control one's desires and find inner peace.
The paradox of giving and receiving love: The quatrain suggests that the giver of love often suffers more than the receiver.

In essence, this quatrain offers a profound meditation on the nature of love, desire, and suffering. It invites the reader to consider the complexities of human emotions and the consequences of our actions.