Quatrain 86 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi
گر بیخبران و عیبگویان از پسمنسوب کنندم به هوی و به هوس
آخر نه گناهیست که من کردم و بسمنظور ملیح دوست دارد همهکس
Description:
English Translation:
If the ignorant and faultfinders from behind
Attribute my actions to desire and lust,
In the end, it’s not a sin that only I have committed;
Everyone desires a beautiful beloved.
Analysis:
This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi is a defense of love and desire. Let's break down each line:
Line 1: گر بیخبران و عیبگویان از پس
"If the ignorant and faultfinders from behind"
The speaker is anticipating criticism from those who misunderstand or are jealous of their love.
Line 2: منسوب کنندم به هوی و به هوس
"Attribute my actions to desire and lust,"
These critics will likely attribute the speaker's actions to base desires rather than genuine love.
Line 3: آخر نه گناهیست که من کردم و بس
"In the end, it’s not a sin that only I have committed;"
The speaker argues that their desire is a natural human emotion and not a unique sin.
Line 4: منظور ملیح دوست دارد همهکس
"Everyone desires a beautiful beloved."
The speaker asserts that the desire for beauty and love is universal, and therefore, they are not alone in their feelings.
Deeper Meaning:
This quatrain is a defense of love and a challenge to societal norms that may condemn such feelings. The speaker is asserting their right to love and desire, arguing that these emotions are natural and shared by all. The quatrain also touches on themes of hypocrisy and jealousy, suggesting that those who criticize the speaker are motivated by their own insecurities or lack of understanding.
Key themes:
Defense of love: The speaker is defending their right to love and desire.
Criticism and jealousy: The speaker is anticipating criticism from those who are jealous or misunderstand their love.
Universality of desire: The speaker argues that the desire for love and beauty is a universal human experience.