FWP:
ABOUT jab kih : The versatility of jab kih (see the definition above) comes
in handy here, since all three of its relevant meanings work very well with
the second line. It could be marking an occasion ('at the time when I do'
X, he always responds with Y); or emphasizing duration ('while I'm in the
process of doing' X, he interrupts by launching into Y); or expressing causality
('since/because I do' X, as a result he does Y). For other examples of such flexibility, see {162,4} and {209,11}. Compare the similar (but even greater) flexibility of jo , discussed in {12,2}.
This is the third verse in a five-verse verse-set that begins with {53,6} and is discussed more fully there.
It's a verse that finds its chief charm in wordplay. Above all, it plays with the secondary meaning of the common dimaa;G , which means not only 'mind', but also 'nose'. (For more on this, see {11,2}.) When the lover complains about the weakness of his mind, 'he'-- whom we know from {53,6} to be his rival, the Other-- promptly 'heads into' a story about the beloved's ambergris-scattering curls. This final image works perfectly, since it unites the ideas of head (curls) and nose (perfume). Perfume as a cure for weakness of the mind is an additional notion invoked by some commentators. (It's true that 'heads into' isn't a perfect equivalent of sar kartaa hai -- see the definition above-- but it's pretty tolerable, and I couldn't resist capturing the wordplay.)
This is apparently another installment in the Other's campaign
to harass and distress the lover, while pretending to offer company and cheer
him up. The Other might, of course, be faking it: he might be as thoroughly
deprived of the beloved's company as is the lover. But if so, he hasn't lost
his hostility. Or could he possibly mean it kindly after all, as a form of
distraction or even a curative process (as Bekhud Dihlavi and Mihr believe)?
Unlike {53,7}, this verse contains no allegation
of motive.
Nazm:
sar karnaa with a meaning of 'to begin' is a translation from Persian. (49)
== Nazm page 49