Quatrain 117 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi
من خاک درش به دیده خواهم رفتنای خصم بگوی هرچه خواهی گفتن
چون پای مگس که در عسل سخت شودچندانکه برانی نتواند رفتن
Description:
English Translation:
Literal:
"I will sweep the dust of her threshold, with my eyes.
O enemy, say whatever you wish.
Like a fly stuck in honey, I am so entangled that I cannot leave,
no matter how much you drive me away."
Poetic:
"I'd be the dust beneath his feet, so low,
Let spiteful tongues say all the harm they know.
A fly trapped in honey, I cannot flee,
Though driven away, I'll forever be."
Analysis:
This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi is a poignant expression of deep, unrequited love and the speaker's willingness to endure any hardship for the sake of their beloved.
Deep Devotion: The speaker's desire to become "the dust of his threshold" signifies an extremely humble and submissive attitude, expressing a profound devotion to their beloved.
Unrequited Love: The speaker's willingness to endure the "enemy's" words implies a situation of unrequited love, where the beloved may be unkind or indifferent.
The Honey Trap: The metaphor of the fly trapped in honey perfectly encapsulates the speaker's predicament. They are so deeply entangled in their love that they cannot escape, no matter how much they try.
Powerlessness: The final line emphasizes the speaker's powerlessness in the face of their love. They are completely at the mercy of their beloved.
Themes:
Unrequited love: The central theme is the pain and longing of unrequited love.
Devotion: The speaker's devotion to their beloved is absolute and unconditional.
Powerlessness: The speaker feels powerless to change their situation.
The metaphor of the honey trap: This metaphor is used to represent the irresistible and consuming nature of love.
Deeper Meaning:
This quatrain beautifully captures the intensity of romantic love and the lengths to which people will go for those they love. The speaker's willingness to endure any hardship, even the scorn of their beloved, is a testament to the power of human emotion.