M1:2438 — ظاهرا بر زن چو آب ار غالبی / باطنا مغلوب و زن را طالبی

This beyt is part of a larger discussion in the Masnavi about the powerful, often hidden, influence of women over men, even those who seem mighty. Rumi uses the analogy of water and fire from the preceding beyts (M1:2436-2437) to illustrate this dynamic. Just as water, though seemingly dominant over fire (extinguishing it), can be turned into vapor by fire when confined in a pot, so too does a man, despite his apparent physical or social dominance, become inwardly 'vanquished' by his wife. The phrase "seeker of her" (طالبی) emphasizes his innate need and desire for her presence and affection, which is a deeper, more profound form of dependence than any outward show of power. Rumi highlights that this is a fundamental characteristic of human nature, a divine arrangement for companionship and mutual attraction, as referenced by the Quranic verse "that he might dwell in tranquility with her" (لِيَسْكُنَ إِلَيْهَا, M1:2433). The story of Rustam and Hamza (M1:2434) and the Prophet Muhammad's affection for Aisha (M1:2435) are invoked earlier to underscore that even the strongest or most revered men are subject to this powerful, often subtle, influence.