Poem #150
English Translation
Persian
If the Saki throws wine into the cup with this grace
She throws all mystics into constant drinking's space.
ساقی ار باده از این دست به جام اندازد
عارفان را همه در شُربِ مُدام اندازد
And if She places the mole's grain under the tress
how many birds of intellect She throws in distress!
ور چُنین زیرِ خَم زلف نهد دانهٔ خال
ای بسا مرغِ خِرَد را که به دام اندازد
Happy the drunkard's fortune who, at the rival's feet
knows not which head or turban to throw in the street.
ای خوشا دولتِ آن مست که در پایِ حریف
سر و دستار نداند که کدام اندازد
The raw ascetic who denies the cup and wine
becomes cooked when he throws a glance at the wine divine.
زاهدِ خام که انکارِ مِی و جام کند
پخته گردد چو نظر بر میِ خام اندازد
Strive in art by day, for day-drinking's blight
throws the mirror-heart into the rust of night.
روز در کسبِ هنر کوش که مِی خوردنِ روز
دلِ چون آینه، در زنگِ ظَلام اندازد
The time for morning wine is when the night
throws evening's curtain round the horizon's light.
آن زمان وقتِ میِ صبح فروغ است
که شب گِردِ خَرگاهِ افق پردهٔ شام اندازد
Drink not with the city Censor, beware his design
he'll drink your wine and throw a stone at the cup fine.
باده با محتسبِ شهر ننوشی زنهار
بخورد باده‌ات و سنگ به جام اندازد
Hafez, raise your head from the sun's corner high
if Fortune throws the lot to that Moon in the sky.
حافظا سر ز کُلَه گوشهٔ خورشید برآر
بختت ار قرعه بدان ماهِ تمام اندازد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem contains advice about wine and wisdom. The verse about the beloved's mole catching 'how many birds of intellect' is a striking image. The observation that 'wine drinking of day' throws the heart 'in the rust of darkness' is a profound statement. The verse about the censor drinking the wine and throwing 'stone to the cup' is a powerful critique of hypocrisy. The poem's combination of practical advice and social commentary makes it engaging.
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