Poem #186
English Translation
Persian
If the wine-seller grants the libertines' request
God may forgive the sin and put the plague to rest.
گر مِی‌فروش حاجتِ رندان روا کند
ایزد گنه ببخشد و دفعِ بلا کند
Cupbearer, pour the wine with justice in the bowl
Lest beggars' envy fill the world with sorrow's toll.
ساقی به جامِ عدل بده باده تا گدا
غیرت نیاوَرَد، که جهان پُر‌بلا کند
From these griefs, news of safety surely will arrive
If travelers keep the trust and keep their faith alive.
حقّا کز این غَمان برسد مژدهٔ امان
گر سالِکی به عهدِ امانت وفا کند
If hardship comes or comfort, Sage, do not complain
Attribute not to others; God sends sun and rain.
گر رنج پیش‌آید و گر راحت ای حکیم
نسبت مَکُن به غیر که این‌ها خدا کند
In workshops where no path of wit or virtue lies
Why should weak understanding judge with meddling eyes?
در کارخانه‌ای که رَهِ عقل و فضل نیست
فهمِ ضعیفْ رایْ فضولی چرا کند؟
Musician, play the tune! None dies before their time
Who sings not this true song commits a grievous crime.
مطرب بساز پرده که کس بی‌اجل نمرد
وان کو نه این ترانه سُراید خطا کند
We whom the pain of love and hangover have slain
Union or pure wine alone can cure the pain.
ما را که دردِ عشق و بلای خُمار کُشت
یا وصلِ دوست یا میِ صافی دوا کند
The soul is lost in wine, Hafez in love does burn
Where is a Messiah-breath to make our life return?
جان رفت در سرِ می و حافظ به عشق سوخت
عیسی‌دَمی کجاست که احیایِ ما کند؟
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains profound statements about fate and healing. The observation that hardship and comfort come from God, not others, is a profound statement. The verse about 'no one without term died' is a powerful statement about predestination. The reference to 'a Messiah-breath' that may revive Hafez adds biblical depth. The poem's combination of fatalism and hope makes it very engaging.