Poem #251
English Translation
Persian
The night of union comes, the parting's done
'Peace be upon it till the rising sun.'
شبِ وصل است و طی شد نامهٔ هَجر
«سلامٌ فیهِ حَتّی مَطْلَعِ الفَجْر»
O heart, stand firm in Love and do not sway
for no work goes unrewarded in this Way.
دلا در عاشقی ثابت‌قدم باش
که در این رَه نباشد کار بی‌اجر
I'll not repent of wine and wild delight
even if you stone me in the lonely night.
من از رندی نخواهم کرد توبه
و لو آذَیْتَني بِالْهَجرِ و الْحَجر
Rise up, O bright-heart Dawn, for God's own sake
for this night of parting makes my spirit quake.
برآی ای صبحِ روشن‌دل خدا را
که بس تاریک می‌بینم شبِ هَجر
My heart is gone, the Friend I did not see
alas for this oppression done to me!
دلم رفت و ندیدم رویِ دل‌دار
فَغان از این تَطاول، آه از این زَجر
If you seek faith, endure the cruel blade
'For profit and loss are part of every trade.'
وفا خواهی، جفاکَش باش حافظ
فَاِنَّ الرِّبْحَ و الْخُسرانَ فِي التَّجْر
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains Arabic phrases and profound statements about love. The verse about the night of union and the letter of separation passing is a striking statement. The Arabic phrase 'Peace in it, until the rising of the dawn' adds Islamic cultural depth. The observation that Hafez will not do repentance from libertinism even if harmed 'with separation and stone' is a powerful statement. The poem's combination of Arabic phrases and emotional expression makes it very engaging.