Poem #153
English Translation
Persian
At dawn, like the Eastern king, the banner struck the mountain's crest
my Friend with mercy's hand struck open the door for those who quest.
سحر چون خسرو خاور، عَلَم بر کوهساران زد
به دستِ مرحمت، یارم، درِ امیدواران زد
When dawn broke bright and asked: 'What of the turning sun?'
a sweet laugh arose and struck the pride of those whose goals were won.
چو پیشِ صبح روشن شد، که «حالِ مِهر گردون چیست؟»
برآمد خنده‌ای خوش بر غرورِ کامگاران زد
Last night my Idol rose to dance within the hall
She untied the knot from Her brow and struck our hearts, one and all.
نگارم دوش در مجلس، به عزمِ رقص چون برخاست
گره بگشود از ابرو و بر دل‌های یاران زد
I washed my hands of piety's pretense with my heart's blood
for Her wine-measuring eye struck a call to the wise in flood.
من از رنگِ صلاح آن دَم، به خونِ دل بِشُستم دست
که چشم باده پیمایش صلا بر هوشیاران زد
Which iron heart taught Her this art of mastery?
From Her first step out, She struck the path of those who wake at night's decree.
کدام آهن‌دلش آموخت این آیین عیّاری؟
کز اول چون برون آمد، رهِ شب‌زنده‌داران زد
She stirred the dream of knights and suddenly the poor heart fell
O God, protect Her! For She struck the riders' hearts as well.
خیالِ شهسواری پخت و شد ناگَه دلِ مسکین
خداوندا! نگه دارش که بر قلبِ سواران زد
In Her face's hue and glow, what souls we gave, what blood we drank
When Her design first took form, it struck the mark on souls that sank.
در آب و رنگِ رخسارش، چه جان دادیم و خون خوردیم
چو نقشش دست داد اول، رقم بر جان‌سپاران زد
How can I snare Her with a woolen cloak's disguise?
Hair-thin She is, whose lashes struck the dagger-wielders' eyes.
منش با خرقهٔ پشمین، کجا اندر کمند آرم؟
زره‌مویی که مژگانش رهِ خنجرگزاران زد
The lot of success and the King's fortune is in view
give Hafez his heart's desire, for fortune's omen struck true.
نظر بر قرعهٔ توفیق و یُمنِ دولتِ شاه است
بده کامِ دلِ حافظ که فالِ بختیاران زد
The victorious King, brave Mansur of realm and faith so grand
whose boundless grace struck laughter on the spring cloud's hand.
شهنشاهِ مظفر فر، شجاعِ مُلک و دین منصور
که جودِ بی‌دریغش خنده بر ابر بهاران زد
From the hour the wine cup graced his honored hand
Time struck the cup of joy for all wine-drinkers in the land.
از آن ساعت که جامِ می به دستِ او مُشَرَّف شد
زمانه ساغرِ شادی به یادِ می‌گساران زد
From his head-scattering sword, victory shone that day
like the star-scorching sun, alone on thousands it did slay.
ز شمشیرِ سرافشانش، ظفر آن روز بِدْرَخشید
که چون خورشیدِ انجم سوز تنها بر هِزاران زد
O heart, pray God for his enduring life and reign!
For Heaven struck fortune's coin to mark his endless chain.
دوامِ عمر و مُلکِ او، بخواه از لطف حق ای دل!
که چرخ، این سکهٔ دولت به دورِ روزگاران زد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem contains praise for a king (Mansur) and expressions of love. The verse about the beloved opening 'knot from the eyebrow' and striking 'the hearts of the friends' is a beautiful image. The reference to Mansur and his victories adds historical depth. The poem's combination of personal expression and political praise makes it engaging, though the political elements may be less interesting to a US audience.
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