Poem #151
English Translation
Persian
A moment spent with grief is worth no world at all
sell our cloak for wine, for nothing better can befall.
دَمی با غم به سر بردن، جهان یک سر نمی‌ارزد
به می بفروش دلقِ ما، کز این بهتر نمی‌ارزد
At the Wine-seller's quarter, they won't take it for a cup
what a prayer-rug of piety, not worth one filling up!
به کویِ می فروشانش، به جامی بر نمی‌گیرند
زهی سجادهٔ تقوا که یک ساغر نمی‌ارزد
My rival reproached: 'Turn from this door!'
What has befallen this head of mine, that the dust of Her door is worth no more?
رقیبم سرزنش‌ها کرد کز این باب رُخ برتاب
چه افتاد این سر ما را که خاکِ در نمی‌ارزد؟
The splendor of the Sultan's crown holds fear for the soul
a heart-stealing hat, but not worth losing head's control.
شکوهِ تاجِ سلطانی که بیمِ جان در او دَرج است
کلاهی دلکش است اما به تَرکِ سر نمی‌ارزد
How easy seemed the sea's grief at first for profit's sake
I erred—this storm's not worth a hundred pearls to take.
چه آسان می‌نمود اول غمِ دریا به بوی سود
غلط کردم که این طوفان به صد گوهر نمی‌ارزد
Better for you to veil your face from longing souls
for world-conquest's joy is not worth the army's tolls.
تو را آن بِهْ که رویِ خود ز مشتاقان بپوشانی
که شادیِّ جهانگیری، غمِ لشکر نمی‌ارزد
Like Hafez, strive in contentment and from the mean world pass
one grain of the base ones' favors isn't worth gold by the mass.
چو حافظ در قناعت کوش و از دنیایِ دون بگذر
که یک جو مِنَّتِ دونان دو صد من زر نمی‌ارزد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains profound statements about the value of things. The opening verse about 'a moment with grief' not being worth 'the world' is a striking statement. The observation that 'the prayer-rug of piety' is not worth 'one cup' is a powerful critique of religious hypocrisy. The verse about 'the grief of the army' not being worth 'the joy of world-conquering' is a profound statement about the cost of power. The poem's combination of philosophical insight and social commentary makes it very engaging.
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