Poem #230
English Translation
Persian
If my heart is drawn to musk-scented wine's embrace, perhaps
for from hypocritical piety, no fragrance of goodness can pass.
اگر به بادهٔ مُشکین دلم کشد، شاید
که بویِ خیر ز زهدِ ریا نمی‌آید
Though all the world's people forbid me to love and feel
I'll do only what the Lord commands, to His will I'll kneel.
جهانیان همه گر منعِ من کنند از عشق
من آن کنم که خداوندگار فرماید
Don't lose hope in generosity's grace, for the generous heart indeed
forgives all sins and grants to lovers blessings they need.
طمع ز فیضِ کرامت مَبُر که خُلقِ کریم
گنه ببخشد و بر عاشقان بِبَخشاید
My heart dwells in remembrance's circle with hope burning bright
that one ring from the beloved's tresses may come to light.
مقیمِ حلقهٔ ذکر است دل بدان امید
که حلقه‌ای ز سرِ زلفِ یار بگشاید
You have God-given beauty and fortune's bridal chamber grand
what need have you that beauticians should adorn you by their hand?
تو را که حُسنِ خداداده هست و حجلهٔ بخت
چه حاجت است که مَشّاطِه‌ات بیاراید
The garden's sweet, the air alluring, pure wine flows with ease
now nothing else is needed but a happy heart to please.
چمن خوش است و هوا دلکَش است و مِی بی‌غَش
کنون به جز دلِ خوش هیچ در نمی‌باید
The world's a lovely bride, but heed this warning that I give
this veiled lady enters no one's marriage contract where they live.
جمیله‌ایست عروسِ جهان، ولی هُش دار
که این مُخَدَّره در عقدِ کس نمی‌آید
I pleaded, 'Moon-faced beauty, what harm if you would deign
with one sweet word to let this broken heart find rest from pain?'
به لابه گفتمش ای ماهرُخ چه باشد اگر
به یک شِکَر ز تو دلخسته‌ای بیاساید
She laughed and said, 'Hafez, God forbid and won't approve
that your kiss should mar the moon's face or make it move!'
به خنده گفت که حافظ خدای را مَپسَند
که بوسهٔ تو رخِ ماه را بیالاید
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains profound statements about love and devotion. The verse about doing 'that which the lord commands' even if 'all the people of the world' prevent from love is a powerful statement. The observation that the heart is 'resident of the circle of remembrance' with the hope that 'a ring from the head of the tress of the friend may open' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of devotion and emotional expression makes it very engaging.
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