Quatrain 28 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi

By hamed @hamed | 6 7

با دوست چنانکه اوست می‌باید داشتخونابه درون پوست می‌باید داشت


دشمن که نمی‌توانمش دید به چشماز بهر دل تو دوست می‌باید داشت


Description:

English Translation:

One must treat a friend as they are,
And endure pain, hidden beneath the skin.

Even though I cannot bear to see the enemy,
For your heart's sake, I must keep him as a friend.


hamed
@hamed Sept. 22, 2024, 8:14 a.m.

Analysis:
This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi delves into the complexities of human relationships, particularly friendship. It suggests that maintaining friendships requires patience, understanding, and sometimes, the ability to endure hardship.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 22, 2024, 8:14 a.m.

Line 1: با دوست چنانکه اوست می‌باید داشت

"One must treat a friend as they are,"
This line emphasizes the importance of accepting friends for who they are, including their flaws. It suggests a kind of unconditional acceptance.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 22, 2024, 8:14 a.m.

Line 2: خونابه درون پوست می‌باید داشت

"And endure pain, hidden beneath the skin."
Here, Saadi uses a vivid metaphor to convey the idea of enduring hidden pain or suffering for the sake of friendship. It suggests that maintaining friendships can sometimes be painful, but it's a pain worth enduring.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 22, 2024, 8:14 a.m.

Line 3: دشمن که نمی‌توانمش دید به چشم

"Since I cannot bear to see the enemy,"
This line contrasts the idea of friendship with enmity. The speaker finds the idea of having an enemy so distasteful that they would rather endure the pain of a flawed friendship.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 22, 2024, 8:15 a.m.

Line 4: از بهر دل تو دوست می‌باید داشت

"For your sake, I must keep a friend."
The final line suggests that the speaker is maintaining the friendship for the sake of someone else, perhaps a lover or a higher power. It implies that there is a deeper reason for their endurance.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 22, 2024, 8:15 a.m.

Themes explored in the quatrain:
The nature of friendship: Saadi suggests that friendship is complex and often requires sacrifice.
Tolerance and acceptance: The speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting others for who they are, even when it's difficult.
The cost of friendship: Maintaining friendships can sometimes be painful, but the speaker believes that the benefits outweigh the costs.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 22, 2024, 8:15 a.m.

This quatrain offers a nuanced perspective on friendship, suggesting that it is a valuable but often challenging relationship. The speaker's willingness to endure pain for the sake of their friend highlights the depth of their commitment.