The Sweetness of Persian: Unpacking Saeb Tabrizi’s Enduring Verse

Persian has long been celebrated for its lyrical cadence and subtle playfulness, and no one embodies this better than the celebrated poet Saeb Tabrizi. Centuries ago, he penned lines that continue to enchant modern readers with their wit and wisdom:

دزدی بوسه عجب دزدی خوش عاقبتی است
که اگر بازستانند، دو چندان گردد!

A Glimpse into the Verse

In rough translation, these lines can be rendered as:
“Stealing a kiss is a wondrous theft, for if it is returned, its worth is doubled!”

This playful metaphor encapsulates the delightful irony and unexpected reward in an act that might otherwise be seen as mischievous. Here, a kiss—typically a symbol of love and intimacy—is portrayed as a kind of 'theft' that, when reciprocated, enriches both giver and receiver. It’s a celebration of the intangible treasures of affection, illustrating that even an act that seems cheeky at first glance can yield profound and amplified rewards.

Saeb Tabrizi: The Maestro of Persian Expression

Saeb Tabrizi, born in the early years of the second millennium Hijri Qamari, stands as a towering figure in Persian literature. Known for his mastery of the Hendi style, his verses are imbued with vivid imagery and a charm that resonates with both the learned and the common folk. His playful manipulation of language and metaphor has not only made his couplets timeless but also a source of inspiration for lovers of poetry around the world. His work reminds us that language is not merely a tool for communication, but an …