Poem #171
English Translation
Persian
Last night from Asaf's court a herald brought the word
That Solomon's high grace a sign of joy conferred.
دوش از جنابِ آصف، پیکِ بشارت آمد
کز حضرتِ سلیمان، عشرت اشارت آمد
Mix the dust of our being with tears to make the clay
For the heart's ruined house, rebuilding starts today.
خاکِ وجود ما را، از آبِ دیده گِل کن
ویران‌سرایِ دل را، گاهِ عمارت آمد
The endless tale they tell of the Beloved's hair
Is but a single word of thousands hidden there.
این شرحِ بی‌نهایت، کز زلفِ یار گفتند
حرفی‌ست از هزاران، کاَندر عبارت آمد
O wine-stained cloak, conceal my faults from sight
For that pure-skirted One has come to visit light.
عیبم بپوش زنهار، ای خرقهٔ مِی‌آلود
کآن پاکِ پاک‌دامن، بهرِ زیارت آمد
Today each lover's rank shall clearly be displayed
Since that assembly's Moon in glory is arrayed.
امروز جایِ هر کس، پیدا شود ز خوبان
کآن ماهِ مجلس‌افروز، اندر صدارت آمد
On Jamshid's throne, whose crown ascends the azure skies
Behold the ant's resolve, that dares to claim the prize!
بر تختِ جم که تاجش، معراجِ آسمان است
همّت نگر که موری، با آن حقارت آمد
Guard well your faith, O heart, from that enchanting eye
That archer draws the bow to let the arrows fly.
از چشمِ شوخش ای دل! ایمانِ خود نگه دار
کآن جادویِ کمانکش، بر عزمِ غارت آمد
You are stained, Hafez; ask the King for grace divine
For He has come to cleanse with mercy's holy wine.
آلوده‌ای تو حافظ، فیضی ز شاه درخواه
کآن عنصرِ سَماحت، بهرِ طهارت آمد
His court is like the sea; dive deep and find the pearl
O you who suffered loss, let trade's new flag unfurl.
دریاست مجلسِ او، دَریاب وقت و دُر یاب
هان ای زیان‌رسیده وقتِ تجارت آمد
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem contains praise for a king and expressions of hope. The reference to Asaf and Solomon adds biblical depth. The verse about 'the ruined house of the heart' having 'the time of building' come is a beautiful image of renewal. The observation that an ant came 'with that abasement' to Jam's throne is a striking statement about humility. The poem's combination of political praise and personal expression makes it engaging, though the political elements may be less interesting to a US audience.