Quatrain 45 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi

Analysis:

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

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.