Quatrain 43 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi
آن را که جمال ماه پیکر باشددر هرچه نگه کند منور باشد
آیینه به دست هرکه ننماید نوراز طلعت بیصفای او در باشد
Description:
English Translation:
The one whose body is as beautiful as the moon,
Illuminates whatever they look upon.
A mirror in anyone's hand will not show light,
If it is not from the luster of their flawless face.
Analysis:
This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi is a beautiful expression of admiration for someone's beauty. Let's break down the lines:
Line 1: آن را که جمال ماه پیکر باشد
"The one whose body is as beautiful as the moon,"
The speaker is describing someone with extraordinary beauty, comparing them to the moon for its radiance.
Line 2: در هرچه نگه کند منور باشد
"Illuminates whatever they look upon,"
Their beauty is so intense that it illuminates everything they gaze upon.
Line 3: آیینه به دست هرکه ننماید نور
"A mirror in anyone's hand will not show light,"
A mirror is a common symbol of reflection and truth. Here, the speaker suggests that no other mirror can reflect light as brightly as the person they are describing.
Line 4: از طلعت بیصفای او در باشد
"If it is not from the luster of their flawless face."
The beauty of this person is so pure and perfect that no other source of light can compare.
Deeper Meaning:
This quatrain suggests that:
Beauty is illuminating: The person's beauty is not just physical, but also spiritual or emotional. They bring light and joy to those around them.
True beauty is unique: The speaker suggests that this person's beauty is unparalleled and cannot be replicated.
The power of the gaze: The person's gaze is so powerful that it can illuminate even inanimate objects.