Quatrain 80 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi

Analysis:

This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi is a poignant expression of betrayal and heartbreak. Let's break down each line:

Line 1: ای دست جفای تو چو زلف تو دراز

"O hand of injustice, as long as your hair,"
Here, the speaker directly addresses the hand of the beloved, personifying it as a symbol of injustice. The comparison to the beloved's long hair suggests that the injustice is as pervasive and enduring as the beloved's beauty.

Line 2: وی بی‌سببی گرفته پای از من باز

"And without reason, you’ve withdrawn your foot from me."
The speaker expresses their bewilderment at the beloved's sudden withdrawal of affection. The phrase "without reason" highlights the unfairness of the situation.

Line 3: ای دست از آستین برون کرده به عهد

"O hand that emerged from the sleeve in covenant,"
This line refers to a past promise or covenant. The image of a hand emerging from a sleeve suggests a secret or intimate gesture, hinting at a broken promise.

Line 4: وامروز کشیده پای در دامن باز

"And today, has withdrawn your foot into your skirt."
The final line reinforces the image of withdrawal and retreat. The beloved's foot is hidden away, symbolizing the end of the relationship.

Deeper Meaning:

This quatrain conveys a sense of deep betrayal and heartbreak. The speaker is grappling with the loss of a loved one and questioning the reasons behind the betrayal. Key themes include:

Betrayal: The central theme is the betrayal of a loved one.
Injustice: The speaker feels that they have been treated unfairly.
Loss: The speaker is mourning the loss of the relationship.
Unrequited love: The quatrain could also be interpreted as an expression of unrequited love, where the beloved's affections have been withdrawn.

This quatrain is a powerful expression of emotional pain. The vivid imagery and the direct address to the beloved create a sense of intimacy and immediacy.