Quatrain 133 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi
کی دانستم که بیخطا برگردی؟برگشتی و خون مستمندان خوردی
بالله اگر آنکه خط کشتن داردآن جور پسندد که تو بیخط کردی
Description:
English Translation:
Literal:
"Who knew you would return without fault?
You returned and drank the blood of the poor.
By God, if the one who has the power to kill finds pleasure in it,
then that is the way you killed without fault."
Poetic:
"Who could foresee you'd come back blameless?
You returned, a feast on the poor's distress.
If death's dark hand finds pleasure in such deeds,
Then guiltless you are, as your cruelty proceeds."
Analysis:
This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi is a scathing indictment of a powerful person who has abused their authority.
The Return of the Oppressor: The quatrain seems to address a ruler or a powerful individual who has returned after committing atrocities.
The Hypocrisy of Justice: The speaker is expressing disbelief that the oppressor has returned without facing any consequences. The irony is that the oppressor is seen as 'blameless' even after committing such heinous acts.
A Question of Morality: The quatrain raises profound questions about morality and justice. It suggests that a system that allows the powerful to go unpunished is fundamentally flawed.
Themes:
Injustice and Oppression: The central theme is the injustice faced by the oppressed.
Hypocrisy and Corruption: The quatrain highlights the hypocrisy of a system that allows the powerful to escape punishment.
Morality and Ethics: The poem raises profound questions about morality and ethics.
Deeper Meaning:
This quatrain is a powerful critique of societies where the powerful are above the law. It is a timeless message that resonates with people who have experienced oppression and injustice. The speaker's bitter sarcasm and irony highlight the deep-seated anger and frustration felt by the oppressed.