Poem #276
English Translation
Persian
If the gardener desires the rose's company for five days
he must endure the thorn of separation's cruelty.
باغبان گر پنج‌روزی صحبتِ گل بایدش
بر جفایِ خارِ هجران صبرِ بلبل بایدش
O heart, do not lament your disarray in the bond of her tress
when the clever bird falls into the trap, it must have patience.
ای دل اندر بندِ زلفش از پریشانی مَنال
مرغِ زیرک چون به دام افتد تحمل بایدش
What business has the world-burning libertine with prudence?
It is the kingdom's work that requires management and reflection.
رندِ عالم‌سوز را با مصلحت‌بینی چه‌کار
کار مُلک است آن که تدبیر و تأمل بایدش
Reliance on piety and knowledge is infidelity in the Path
though the traveler has a hundred arts, he must have trust.
تکیه بر تقوی و دانش در طریقت کافری‌ست
راهرو گر صد هنر دارد توکل بایدش
With such a tress and face, let glance-play be forbidden
to anyone who needs a jasmine face and hyacinth curls.
با چُنین زلف و رُخَش بادا نظربازی حرام
هر که روی یاسمین و جَعدِ سنبل بایدش
One must endure the coquetries of her intoxicated narcissus eye
this distracted heart needs those curls and forelocks.
نازها زان نرگسِ مستانه‌اش باید کشید
این دلِ شوریده تا آن جَعد و کاکُل بایدش
O Cupbearer, how long will you delay the cup's round?
When the turn falls to the lovers, it must flow without ceasing.
ساقیا در گردشِ ساغر تعلل تا به چند
دور چون با عاشقان افتد تَسَلسُل بایدش
Who is Hafez that he should not drink wine without the reed's song?
Why must a poor lover need such luxury?
کیست حافظ تا ننوشد باده بی‌آوازِ رود
عاشقِ مسکین چرا چندین تجمل بایدش
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains profound statements about patience and trust. The verse about 'reliance on piety and knowledge' being 'infidelity in the path' and the traveler needing 'trust' even if he has 'a hundred arts' is a powerful statement. The observation that 'the turn' needs 'continuity when it falls with the lovers' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of wisdom and emotional expression makes it very engaging.
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