Quatrain 144 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi
Quatrain 144 from Rubaiyat of Saadi Shirazi
By
@hamed
ای مایهٔ درمان نفسی ننشینی
تا صورت حال دردمندان بینی
گر من به تو فرهاد صفت شیفتهام
عیبم مکن ای جان که تو بس شیرینی
Description:
English Translation:
Literal:
"O source of my soul's healing, do not sit idly by,
but see the condition of the suffering ones.
Even if I am like Ferhad, infatuated with you,
do not fault me, O my life, for you are too sweet."
Poetic:
"O balm for my soul, please stay and see,
The plight of those who suffer misery.
Though I'm like Ferhad, lost in love's deep sea,
Don't blame me, dear, for you're too sweet for me."
Analysis:
This quatrain by Saadi Shirazi is a passionate plea for empathy and understanding.
The Beloved as Healer: The beloved is seen as a source of healing and solace, capable of alleviating the suffering of others.
Ferhad and Shirin: This is an allusion to the Persian love story of Ferhad and Shirin. Ferhad was a legendary stone-cutter who was deeply in love with Princess Shirin. His love was so intense that he carved a mountain to impress her. The speaker compares their own love to Ferhad's, suggesting a deep and consuming passion.
A Plea for Forgiveness: The speaker asks the beloved not to judge their excessive love, acknowledging its intensity but justifying it by the beloved's sweetness.
Themes:
Love and Devotion: The central theme is the intense love and devotion the speaker feels for the beloved.
Empathy and Compassion: The speaker calls upon the beloved to empathize with the suffering of others.
The Power of Love: The love between the speaker and the beloved is portrayed as a powerful force, capable of both joy and pain.
Deeper Meaning:
This quatrain explores the complexities of human emotion, particularly love and suffering. The speaker's plea for empathy and understanding is a universal one, resonating with anyone who has experienced the pain of unrequited love or the joy of a deep connection. The allusion to Ferhad and Shirin adds a layer of literary and cultural significance to the poem.
This quatrain is a beautiful expression of love, longing, and the human capacity for both great joy and great sorrow.