Poem #283
English Translation
Persian
At dawn a voice from the Unseen whispered in my ear
'The age of Shah Shuja is here! Drink wine and have no fear!'
سحر ز هاتفِ غیبم رسید مژده به گوش
که دورِ شاه‌شجاع است، مِی دلیر بنوش
Gone are the days when men of sight stood safely on the shore
With silent lips but thousand thoughts they dared not speak before.
شد آن که اهلِ نظر بر کناره می‌رفتند
هزار گونه سخن در دهان و لب خاموش
Now with the harp's melodious sound, those tales we shall reveal
That made the cauldron of the chest with hidden passion reel.
به صوتِ چنگ بگوییم آن حکایت‌ها
که از نهفتنِ آن دیگِ سینه می‌زد جوش
The secret wine we drank in fear of the censor's sharp decree
We drink now to the Friend's fair face, with shouts of jubilee!
شرابِ خانگیِ ترسِ محتسب‌خورده
به رویِ یار بنوشیم و بانگِ نوشانوش
Last night from the tavern door, they carried on their back
The city's Imam, prayer-rug borne, on a drunken track.
ز کویِ میکده دوشش به دوش می‌بُردند
امامِ شهر که سجاده می‌کشید به دوش
O heart, I guide you to the path where true salvation lies
Boast not of sin, nor sell your piety to others' eyes.
دلا! دلالتِ خیرت کنم به راهِ نجات
مکن به فسق مباهات و زهد هم مَفُروش
The King's bright judgment is the place where light and truth appear
If you seek nearness to his throne, let your intent be clear.
محلِ نورِ تَجَلّی‌ست رایِ انور شاه
چو قربِ او طلبی در صفایِ نیّت کوش
Make nothing but his majesty the subject of your prayer
For his heart's ear is intimate with angels of the air.
به جز ثنایِ جلالش مساز وِردِ ضمیر
که هست گوشِ دلش محرمِ پیامِ سروش
The secrets of the kingdom's good are known to kings alone
Hafez, you corner-sitting beggar, make no boast your own.
رموزِ مصلحتِ مُلک خسروان دانند
گدایِ گوشه‌نشینی تو حافظا مَخروش
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem contains historical references and profound statements. The reference to Shah Shuja adds historical depth. The verse about the imam of the city being taken 'on the shoulder from the quarter of the wine-house' is a striking image. The observation that 'the place of light, manifestation is, the opinion, bright of the king' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of historical references and wisdom makes it very engaging.