Quatrain 113 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi
ما حاصل عمری به دمی بفروشیمصد خرمن شادی به غمی بفروشیم
در یک دم اگر هزار جان دست دهددر حال به خاک قدمی بفروشیم
Description:
English Translation:
Literal:
"We sell the fruit of a lifetime in a moment,
we sell a hundred sheaves of joy for sorrow.
If a thousand lives are given in an instant,
we would sell them to dust for a moment's sake."
Poetic:
"A lifetime's worth, exchanged for a fleeting breath,
A hundred joys for sorrow, leading to death.
A thousand lives we'd give, if it were so,
To kneel in dust, for love's sweet overthrow."
Analysis:
This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi is a profound exploration of the transience of life and the overwhelming power of love.
The Transitory Nature of Life: The poet suggests that life is fleeting and can be lost in a moment. The image of selling "a hundred sheaves of joy for sorrow" highlights the ease with which happiness can turn to sadness.
The Power of Love: The poet is willing to sacrifice everything, even life itself, for love. The image of "kneeling in dust" emphasizes the humility and devotion of the lover.
The Paradox of Existence: The quatrain presents a paradox: the poet is willing to give up everything for a momentary pleasure. This paradox highlights the irrationality of love, but also the profound impact it can have on our lives.
Themes:
The transience of life: The poet emphasizes the fleeting nature of human existence.
The power of love: Love is depicted as a force that can overcome all obstacles, even death.
Sacrifice: The poet is willing to sacrifice everything for love.
The paradox of human existence: The quatrain presents a paradox about the human condition.
Deeper Meaning:
This quatrain is a powerful statement about the human condition. It suggests that love is the ultimate motivator, and that we are willing to risk everything for it. The poet's willingness to sacrifice life itself for love highlights the intensity and depth of human emotion.