We were ready to offer prayers after hearing tales of heavenly houris, but seeing the radiance of earthly beloveds changed our intention.
This couplet playfully pokes fun at human nature, exposing the humorous hypocrisy behind piety motivated by reward. The poet was ready to offer prayers only because he was seduced by tales of heavenly nymphs, but the moment he caught sight of breathing, earthly beauties, all holy resolve vanished. It is a witty reminder that the tangible, immediate allure of the present world will almost always triumph over promises of an unseen paradise.
Interpretation note: meanings and explanations may be AI-assisted and should not replace a primary text or scholarly edition. See the editorial policy.
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