Poem #100
English Translation
Persian
Yesterday the wine-selling Elder, bless his memory, said
'Drink wine, and wash the heart's grief from your mind.'
دی پیر می‌فروش که ذکرش به خیر باد
گفتا شراب نوش و غمِ دل ببر ز یاد
I said, 'Wine will throw my name and fame to the wind'
he replied, 'Accept the word; whatever will be, will be.'
گفتم به باد می‌دهدم باده نام و ننگ
گفتا قبول کن سخن و هر چه بادا باد
Since profit, loss, and capital must all slip from your hand
do not grieve over this transaction; be happy.
سود و زیان و مایه چو خواهد شدن ز دست
از بهر این معامله غمگین مباش و شاد
You will hold only wind in your hand if you set your heart on nothingness
in a world where even Solomon's throne is carried off by the wind.
بادت به دست باشد اگر دل نهی به هیچ
در معرضی که تخت سلیمان رود به باد
Hafez, if you tire of the counsel of the wise
let us shorten the tale and pray your life be long.
حافظ گرت ز پندِ حکیمان ملالت است
کوته کنیم قصه، که عمرت دراز باد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains a dialogue with a wine-selling elder, creating an engaging narrative structure. The phrase 'whatever will be, will be' (har che bad, bad) is a memorable statement of acceptance. The verse about Solomon's throne going 'to the wind' is a powerful image of transience. The observation that 'the wind will be in your hand' if you put the heart 'to nothing' is a profound statement about detachment. The poem's combination of worldly wisdom and spiritual insight makes it very engaging for Western readers.
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