Quatrain 125 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi
ما را نه ترنج از تو مرادست نه بهتو خود شکری پسته و بادام مده
گر نار ز پستان تو که باشد و مههرگز نبود به از زنخدان تو به
Description:
English Translation:
Literal:
"It's not the orange from you that we desire, nor the pomelo.
You yourself are sweeter than a pistachio and almond.
Even if there were a pomegranate from your breast and the moon,
nothing would ever be better than your dimples."
Poetic:
"We crave not citrus fruit, no pomelo's sweet,
Your sweetness rivals nut, a tasty treat.
Though pomegranates from your breast might gleam,
No beauty matches your enchanting dimple's gleam."
Analysis:
This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi is a beautiful expression of love and admiration for a beloved. Let's break down its meaning:
The Beloved's Beauty: The speaker is comparing their beloved's beauty to various fruits, each representing a different aspect of their attractiveness.
Superiority of the Beloved: The speaker emphasizes that the beloved's natural beauty surpasses any external adornment or comparison.
The Dimples: The dimples are highlighted as the most captivating feature of the beloved's face.
A Playful Comparison: The comparison to fruits is playful and adds a touch of sensuality to the poem.
Themes:
Love and Beauty: The central theme is the speaker's deep admiration for the beloved's beauty.
Simplicity and Natural Beauty: The speaker suggests that natural beauty is more appealing than artificial adornments.
The Power of a Smile: The dimples are emphasized as a particularly captivating feature.
Deeper Meaning:
This quatrain celebrates the simple beauty of a loved one. The speaker is not seeking external beauty or material possessions, but rather the intrinsic beauty of their beloved. The dimples, as a small but significant feature, symbolize the beloved's unique and endearing qualities.