Poem #24
English Translation
Persian
Seek not for rectitude from this drunkard, or trust
I was famous for the cup, since man was made of dust.
مطلب طاعت و پیمان و صلاح از من مست
که به پیمانه‌کشی شهره شدم روز الست
The moment that I washed in Love's pure spring and well
I said four prayers for all that in the world do dwell.
من همان دم که وضو ساختم از چشمهٔ عشق
چار تکبیر زدم یکسره بر هر چه که هست
Give wine! That I may tell the secret of my state
whose face I love, whose scent has sealed my fate.
می بده تا دهمت آگهی از سر قضا
که به روی که شدم عاشق و از بوی که مست
The mountain's waist is thinner than an ant's waist here
despair not of His mercy, wine-drinker, nor fear.
کمر کوه کم است از کمر مور این جا
ناامید از در رحمت مشو ای باده‌پرست
Save for that drunken Eye, whose glance forbids our rest
none sat in joy beneath this turquoise dome so blest.
به جز آن نرگس مستانه که چشمش مرساد
زیر این طارم فیروزه کسی خوش ننشست
My soul be ransom for that mouth! For in the garden fair
the Gardener tied no bud more sweet or rare.
جان فدای دهنش باد که در باغ نظر
چمن آرای جهان، خوشتر از این غنچه نبست
Hafez became a Solomon through Love's command
yet from your union, holds but wind within his hand.
حافظ از دولت عشق تو سلیمانی شد
یعنی از وصل تواش نیست به جز باد به دست
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 7/10. This poem references the 'day of Alast' (Am I not your Lord?)—a Quranic concept about the pre-eternal covenant, adding theological depth. The image of making ablution from the spring of love and striking four takbirs (Allahu Akbar) is a powerful fusion of Islamic ritual and mystical love. The verse about the mountain's waist being less than the ant's is a striking image of perspective and humility. The reference to becoming 'Solomon' but having 'nothing but wind in hand' is a poignant image of love's paradox—greatness and emptiness. The poem's mystical elements may intrigue readers interested in Sufism.
Related Poems
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