Poem #258
English Translation
Persian
A thousand thanks! I see my wish come true
my heart finds peace and harmony in you.
هزار شُکر که دیدم به کامِ خویشت باز
ز رویِ صدق و صفا گشته با دلم دَمساز
Pilgrims of Love must walk a path of pain
but lovers fear no loss and seek no gain.
رَوَندگانِ طریقت رَهِ بلا سِپَرَند
رفیقِ عشق چه غم دارد از نَشیب و فراز
Better to hide Love's grief from rival eyes
for malice cannot keep the secret prize.
غمِ حبیب نهان بِه ز گفت و گوی رقیب
که نیست سینهٔ اربابِ کینه، محرمِ راز
Though your beauty needs no love of mine
I cannot leave this game, nor cease to pine.
اگر چه حُسنِ تو از عشقِ غیر مُستَغنی‌ست
من آن نیَم که از این عشق‌بازی آیم باز
How can I tell the burning in my breast?
Ask my tears, they put the truth to test.
چه گویَمَت که ز سوزِ درون چه می‌بینم
ز اشک پُرس حکایت که من نیَم غَمّاز
What storm did Fate stir up with cruel art?
Your narcissus eyes have blackened my poor heart.
چه فتنه بود که مَشّاطِهٔ قضا انگیخت
که کرد نرگسِ مستش سیَه به سرمهٔ ناز
Thanks that the Friend lights up this gathering
burn like a candle, suffer and yet sing.
بدین سپاس که مجلس مُنَوَّر است به دوست
گَرَت چو شمع جفایی رِسَد بسوز و بساز
Beauty's sole aim is but to charm and please
as Mahmud sought Ayaz on bended knees.
غَرَض کِرشمهٔ حُسن است ور نه حاجت نیست
جمالِ دولتِ محمود را به زلفِ ایاز
Venus herself can sing no sweeter song
when Hafez raises voice, clear and strong.
غزل سُرایی ناهید صرفه‌ای نَبَرَد
در آن مَقام که حافظ برآورد آواز
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses gratitude and contains cultural references. The verse about 'the grief of the beloved, hidden, better is than the saying and speaking of the rival' is a profound statement. The reference to Mahmud and Ayaz adds cultural depth. The observation that Hafez is not one who 'may come again from this love-play' even though the beloved's beauty is 'independent from the love of other' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of gratitude and emotional expression makes it very engaging.
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