Poem #291
English Translation
Persian
In this city we have tested our fortune and our fate;
From this abyss we must withdraw, before it is too late.
ما آزموده‌ایم در این شهر بختِ خویش
بیرون کشید باید از این وَرطه رَختِ خویش
I strike my hand in sorrow, and I heave a heavy sigh;
Like the rose, I set my body on fire, to burn and die.
از بس که دست می‌گَزَم و آه می‌کشم
آتش زدم چو گُل به تنِ لَخت لَختِ خویش
Last night a nightingale sang sweet, a joy to hear and see,
While the rose inclined its ear from the branch of its own tree.
دوشم ز بلبلی چه خوش آمد که می‌سرود
گل گوش پهن کرده ز شاخِ درختِ خویش
Singing: 'O heart, rejoice! For that harsh friend, so cruel and cold,
Will not remain forever harsh, as fortune's wheel is rolled.'
کای دل تو شاد باش که آن یارِ تندخو
بسیار تند روی نشیند ز بختِ خویش
If you wish the world to pass you by with ease and gentle grace,
Leave weak covenants behind, and harsh words from your face.
خواهی که سخت و سست جهان بر تو بگذرد
بگذر ز عهدِ سست و سخن‌هایِ سختِ خویش
It is time that from your absence and the fire within my breast,
I cast fire on all I own, and find my final rest.
وقت است کز فراقِ تو وز سوزِ اندرون
آتش درافکنم به همه رَخت و پَختِ خویش
O Hafez, if our heart's desire were granted every day,
Even Jamshid on his throne would not have passed away.
ای حافظ ار مراد مُیَسَّر شدی مدام
جمشید نیز دور نماندی ز تخت خویش
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses reflection and resignation. The verse about pulling 'the baggage from this abyss' after trying 'fortune in this city' is a powerful statement. The observation that if 'desire were always facilitated,' even 'Jamshid would not remain on his throne' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of reflection and wisdom makes it very engaging.
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