Poem #267
English Translation
Persian
O morning breeze, if you pass by the banks of the Aras River
kiss the earth of that valley and make your breath musk-scented.
ای صبا گر بُگذری بر ساحلِ رودِ اَرَس
بوسه زن بر خاکِ آن وادی و مُشکین کُن نَفَس
To the dwelling of Salma—may a hundred greetings reach it every moment
where you hear the camel-drivers' clamor and the bells' cry.
منزلِ سَلمی که بادَش هر دَم از ما صد سلام
پُر صدایِ ساربانان بینی و بانگِ جرس
Kiss the Beloved's litter, then with tears present this plea
'I have burned in separation, O Kind One, help me!'
مَحمِلِ جانان ببوس، آن‌گه به زاری عَرضه دار
کز فِراقت سوختم ای مهربان فریاد رس
I, who once took the advisors' words as the song of the rebab
have seen such ear-twisting pain in separation that this lesson is enough.
من که قولِ ناصحان را خواندَمی قولِ رَباب
گوش‌مالی دیدم از هجران که اینم پند بس
Enjoy the night-journey and drink wine
for on the path of love, the night-travelers are well-acquainted with the chief of the watch.
عشرتِ شب‌گیر کن، مِی نوش کاندر راهِ عشق
شَب‌رُوان را آشنایی‌هاست با میرِ عَسَس
Love's game is no child's play, O heart! Stake your head
for the ball of love cannot be struck with the mallet of mere desire.
عشق‌بازی کارِ بازی نیست ای دل! سر بِباز
زان که گویِ عشق نَتْوان زد به چوگانِ هوس
The heart willingly surrenders its soul to the Friend's intoxicated eye
though the prudent never give their free will to anyone.
دل به رَغبت می‌سپارد جان به چشمِ مستِ یار
گر چه هشیاران ندادند اختیارِ خود به کس
The parrots feast in the land of sugar
while the poor fly beats its head in regret.
طوطیان در شِکَّرِستان کامرانی می‌کنند
و از تَحَسُّر دست بر سر می‌زند مسکین مگس
If Hafez's name should rise upon the tongue of the Friend's pen
this honor from the King's presence is enough.
نامِ حافظ گر برآید بر زبانِ کِلکِ دوست
از جنابِ حضرتِ شاهم بس است این مُلتَمَس
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains cultural references and profound statements. The reference to the river Aras and Salma adds geographical depth. The verse about 'love-play' not being 'work of play' and the 'ball of love' not being able to be struck 'with the polo-stick of desire' is a powerful statement. The observation that 'the parrots in the sugar-land do pleasure' while 'the poor fly strikes hand on head from regret' is a striking image. The poem's combination of cultural references and wisdom makes it very engaging.
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