Poem #211
English Translation
Persian
Last night she came, her radiant face ablaze with light
how many grief-stricken hearts were set aflame by such a sight?
دوش می‌آمد و رخساره برافروخته بود
تا کجا باز دلِ غمزده‌ای سوخته بود
Lover-slaying and city-stirring were woven into the dress she wore
a garment custom-made for her enchanting figure's lore.
رسم عاشق‌کُشی و شیوهٔ شهرآشوبی
جامه‌ای بود که بر قامتِ او دوخته بود
She knew lovers' souls were incense for her beauty's sacred fire
and for this very purpose kindled her face's burning pyre.
جانِ عُشّاق سپندِ رخِ خود می‌دانست
و آتشِ چهره بدین کار برافروخته بود
Though she vowed to slay this wretch, I could clearly see beneath
a hidden glance she cast at me, this heart-burned soul beneath.
گر‌چه می‌گفت که زارَت بِکُشم
می‌دیدم که نهانش نظری با منِ دلسوخته بود
Her infidel tress struck blows at faith's sacred way
while that stony heart pursued it with a blazing torch of beauty's ray.
کفرِ زلفش رَهِ دین می‌زد
و آن سنگین دل در پِی‌اش مشعلی از چهره برافروخته بود
My heart brought blood to hand, my eye let torrents flow
O God! What was wasted and what treasure did I save to show?
دل بسی خون به کف آورد ولی دیده بریخت
الله الله، که تلف کرد و که اندوخته بود؟
Don't sell your beloved for the world—it profits not
as those who sold dear Joseph for counterfeit gold soon forgot.
یار مَفروش به دنیا که بسی سود نکرد
آن که یوسف به زَرِ ناسره بفروخته بود
She spoke so sweetly: 'Go burn your mystic cloak, Hafez!'
O Lord, from whom did she learn to read hearts with such finesse?
گفت و خوش گفت برو خرقه بسوزان حافظ
یا رب این قلب‌شناسی ز که آموخته بود؟
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses the power of the beloved. The verse about the beloved's tress striking 'the path of religion' and a torch being kindled 'in pursuit of hers' is a striking image. The reference to Joseph being sold 'to gold, impure' adds biblical depth. The observation that the beloved told Hafez to 'burn the cloak' and asking from whom she learned 'this heart-knowing' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of imagery and emotional expression makes it very engaging.
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