Poem #126
English Translation
Persian
Without the Beloved's beauty, souls desire naught on earth
who lacks the first, truly lacks the second's worth.
جان، بی‌جمالِ جانان میلِ جهان ندارد
هر کس که این ندارد حقّا که آن ندارد
I've seen no sign from that heart-burning one appear
either I lack the news, or she gives no sign here.
با هیچ کس نشانی زان دِلْسِتان ندیدم
یا من خبر ندارم یا او نشان ندارد
Each dewdrop on this path holds hundred burning seas
alas! This riddle needs no explanation, if you please.
هر شبنمی در این ره صد بحرِ آتشین است
دردا که این معما شرح و بیان ندارد
Freedom's destination can't be given up or lost
O caravan-leader! Descend—this path has no end, no cost.
سرمنزلِ فراغت نَتْوان ز دست دادن
ای ساروان فروکش کاین ره کران ندارد
The bent-backed harp calls you to joy's sweet song
heed elders' counsel—it does you no wrong.
چنگِ خمیده‌قامت می‌خوانَدَت به عشرت
بشنو که پندِ پیران هیچت زیان ندارد
O heart! Learn libertine ways from the censor bold
he's drunk—none dare suspect what his hands hold.
ای دل طریقِ رندی از محتسب بیاموز
مست است و در حقِ او کس این گمان ندارد
Read to your heart how Time scattered Qarun's wealth away
keep no gold hidden for that fateful day.
احوالِ گنجِ قارون کَایّام داد بر باد
در گوشِ دل فروخوان تا زر نهان ندارد
If the candle is your rival, keep secrets from its sight
that playful headless one has no tongue to bind it tight.
گر خود رقیب شمع است اسرار از او بپوشان
کان شوخِ سربریده بندِ زبان ندارد
No one in all the world has such a servant true as Hafez
no one has such a royal sovereign as you.
کس در جهان ندارد یک بنده همچو حافظ
زیرا که چون تو شاهی کس در جهان ندارد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains profound philosophical statements. The opening verse about the soul having 'no desire of the world' without 'the beauty of the beloved' is a striking statement about love's centrality. The observation that 'every dewdrop in this path, a hundred fiery seas is' is a powerful image of love's intensity. The reference to Qarun (a figure from the Quran known for his wealth) adds cultural depth. The verse about 'this path, end has not' is a profound statement about love's infinity. The poem's combination of mystical insight and personal expression makes it very engaging.
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