The ascetic avoids love in vain, for what concern could a lion possibly have with such a weak and helpless prey?

Here, the poet takes a delightfully witty jab at the self-righteous ascetic who proudly avoids love, as if love were desperate to ensnare him. The poet laughs off this arrogance: love is a majestic lion that hunts only the bravest, most spirited hearts. Why would a lion even glance at such feeble and lifeless prey? Ishq demands courage and utter surrender—qualities the timid ascetic completely lacks.