The game of polo

'Gulistan' and 'Bustan by Sa’di' are classical works of Persian literature that were copied and illustrated at various periods. The 'Bustan' (garden) consists of about a hundred moral tales in verse and prose.
The scene illustrated in this miniature is taking place during a game of polo in which a prince and richly costumed courtiers are taking part. Among those watching is a young beggar talking to an old man. These two figures, situated in the centre field, appear to be taking no notice of the game. The dialogue inscribed at the top of the miniature, is of the old man asking the young man what would happen to the young man if he were injured by the polo stick, to which the young beggar replies, 'Well then, like the ball, I’d fall at your feet!'
Polo, one of the favourite pastimes of the court, was frequently used by Persian poets as a metaphor for love, interpreted in the spiritual sense of a union of souls with the Divine Creator.