Quatrain 22

RubāʿīIraqi style
English

Quatrain 22

Since even my wretched state looks fine to the one I love, let the enemy be cruel, let him strip the skin from my body. Since this merciless enemy is a messenger sent by her, I would be a breaker of vows if I did not hold this enemy dear.
Explanation: The lover embraces suffering because the tormentor comes from the beloved; loyalty means loving even the pain she sends.

Original · Persian

رباعی شمارهٔ ۲۲

چون حال بدم در نظر دوست نکوست دشمن ز جفا گو ز تنم برکن پوست
چون دشمن بی‌رحم فرستادهٔ اوست بدعهدم اگر ندارم این دشمن دوست