Quatrain 118 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi
مه را ز فلک به طرف بام آوردنوز روم، کلیسیا به شام آوردن
در وقت سحر نماز شام آوردنبتوان، نتوان تو را به دام آوردن
Description:
English Translation:
Literal:
"They brought the moon from the sky to my roof,
and from Rome, they brought a church to the Shaam.
At the time of dawn, they brought the prayer of the evening.
We can try, but you cannot be trapped."
Poetic:
"From heaven's vault, they brought the moon to me,
A church from Rome, for all the world to see.
At dawn, they brought the evening's sacred plea,
But you, my love, can never capture me."
Analysis:
This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi is a complex and intriguing piece of poetry. Let's break down its meaning:
Cosmic Imagery: The images of bringing the moon from the sky and a church from Rome are highly symbolic, suggesting that the beloved is so extraordinary that they are beyond the ordinary realms of human experience.
Temporal Paradox: The idea of bringing the evening prayer at dawn creates a temporal paradox, highlighting the beloved's ability to defy conventional norms and expectations.
Unattainable Love: The final line, "You can try, but you cannot trap me," suggests that the beloved, despite their extraordinary qualities, is unattainable. This could be due to several reasons: their divine nature, their own indifference, or the speaker's unworthiness.
Themes:
Divine Love: The beloved is portrayed as almost divine, with cosmic powers.
Unattainability: The beloved is depicted as someone who cannot be captured or possessed.
Temporal Paradox: The quatrain plays with the concept of time, creating a sense of otherworldly beauty.
Spiritual Quest: The overall tone suggests a spiritual quest or longing for something beyond earthly reach.
Deeper Meaning:
This quatrain is rich with symbolism and offers multiple layers of interpretation. It could be seen as a love poem expressing the unattainability of the beloved, a spiritual quest for the divine, or a commentary on the nature of beauty and desire. The imagery of the moon, the church, and the temporal paradox create a sense of awe and wonder, elevating the beloved to a almost mythological status.