Overview

In Chapter 36, Poem 11 of Attar's Mokhtar Nameh, the poet employs a sophisticated double entendre (īhām) and paradox centering on the word āb-dādeh (watered/tempered).

The Dual Metaphors of Water

• The Lover's Tears: The lover describes their own eyelashes as being constantly submerged in water (dar āb mudām), signifying unending weeping and grief.
• The Tempered Arrow: In contrast, the beloved's eyelash is likened to an arrow that is āb-dādeh (tempered). In traditional metalworking, tempering steel in water hardens and sharpens weapons (swords or arrowheads) to make them deadly.

Poetic Paradox and Wonder ('Ajab)

The poetic wonder arises from a dual paradox:

1. The Source of Tempering: The beloved's deadly arrow-like eyelash is metaphorically tempered and sharpened by the very water (tears) shed by the lover.
2. Destructive vs. Passive Water: While the lover's eyelashes are physically drenched in water (tears) without gaining an...