She hath not beauty, that ill-fortun'd gem

Read 'She hath not beauty, that ill-fortun'd gem' by ' Hafez' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

She hath not beauty, that ill-fortun'd gem by Hafez

She hath not beauty, that ill-fortun’d gem
Wherewith may women dazzle men’s meek eyes
Ere they enslave, un-man & slaughter them.

Nor doth she vaunt afar her heart’s hid prize,
Nor with wide-lavish’d scent of hope allure
Ere men behold her, nor with rich disguise.

Nor hath she wit, that sword wherewith to smart
Delicate souls, with flashing stroke unsure
Of sharp misprise, wounding some gentle heart.

Yet not unlovely she, my silent rose,
That only may to true love’s eyes unclose,
Nor yet doth stintingly her smiles impart;

—But should bold evil venture, O what proud
Pitilessness hath she then, what anger loud!



Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace