Quatrain 45 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi

By hamed @hamed | 6 7

هر سرو که در بسیط عالم باشدشاید که به پیش قامتت خم باشد


از سرو بلند هرگز این چشم مداربالای دراز را خرد کم باشد


Description:

English Translation:

Every cypress in the vast world
May bow before your stature.

Don't expect this from a tall cypress;
A tall stature usually has a low wisdom.


hamed
@hamed Sept. 23, 2024, 6:09 a.m.

Analysis:

This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi offers a subtle critique of arrogance and pride. Let's break down the lines:

hamed
@hamed Sept. 23, 2024, 6:10 a.m.

Line 1: هر سرو که در بسیط عالم باشد

"Every cypress in the vast world"
This line refers to all the tall and majestic cypress trees in the world.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 23, 2024, 6:10 a.m.

"May bow before your stature."
This suggests that the person being addressed is so tall or imposing that even the tallest trees might seem small in comparison.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 23, 2024, 6:11 a.m.

Line 3: از سرو بلند هرگز این چشم مدار

"Don't expect a tall cypress to have a small head;"
Here, the poet cautions against expecting that someone who is externally impressive or successful will also be wise or humble.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 23, 2024, 6:11 a.m.

Line 4: بالای دراز را خرد کم باشد

"A long neck usually has a small head."
This line is a proverb that suggests that those who are physically tall or socially elevated often lack wisdom or intelligence.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 23, 2024, 6:11 a.m.

Deeper Meaning:

This quatrain suggests that:

Appearance can be deceiving: Someone who appears to be superior or impressive may not actually be so.
Pride can lead to downfall: Those who are arrogant or proud often lack the wisdom and humility needed for true success.
True greatness is found in character: A person's true worth is not determined by their external appearance or social status but by their inner qualities.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 23, 2024, 6:11 a.m.

This quatrain is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and arrogance. It suggests that true greatness is found in humility and wisdom, not in external appearances or accomplishments.