Quatrain 119 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi
در دیده به جای سرمه سوزن دیدنبرق آمده و آتش زده خرمن دیدن
در قید فرنگ غل به گردن دیدنبه زانکه به جای دوست، دشمن دیدن
Description:
English Translation:
Literal:
"To see a needle in the eye instead of kohl,
to see a spark that has set a haystack on fire,
to see a chain around the neck in a foreign land,
is better than seeing an enemy instead of a friend."
Poetic:
"A needle in the eye, a spark ignites the hay,
A chain around the neck, a foreign land's dismay,
All these are better, so it seems to me,
Than seeing a friend replaced by enmity."
Analysis:
This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi is a profound exploration of human suffering, particularly the emotional pain caused by betrayal and loss of friendship.
Physical and Emotional Pain: The initial images of a needle in the eye and a burning haystack represent physical pain, but they also symbolize the intense emotional pain of betrayal.
Isolation and Confinement: The image of a chain around the neck in a foreign land signifies isolation, confinement, and a sense of being trapped.
The Worst Pain: The final line suggests that the greatest pain is not physical or situational, but emotional. The loss of a friend and the presence of an enemy is the ultimate betrayal.
Themes:
Betrayal: The central theme is the pain of betrayal and the loss of friendship.
Suffering: The quatrain explores different forms of suffering, both physical and emotional.
Isolation: The image of being chained in a foreign land highlights the theme of isolation.
The value of friendship: The final line emphasizes the importance of friendship and the pain of losing it.
Deeper Meaning:
This quatrain suggests that while physical pain and external circumstances can be difficult to endure, the emotional pain caused by betrayal is perhaps the most profound. The speaker is willing to endure physical suffering and isolation rather than face the betrayal of a friend. This highlights the deep-seated human need for connection and belonging.