Poem #319
English Translation
Persian
For years I followed the libertines' creed and way
till Reason's decree imprisoned greed's dark sway.
سال‌ها پیرُویِ مذهبِ رندان کردم
تا به فتویّ خِرَد حرص به زندان کردم
I didn't reach the Anqa's nest by my own might
I crossed that stage with Solomon's bird in flight.
من به سرمنزلِ عَنْقا نه به خود بُردم راه
قطعِ این مرحله با مرغِ سلیمان کردم
Cast some shade on my wounded heart, O flowing treasure rare
for I've ruined this house with my passion for you there.
سایه‌ای بر دلِ ریشم فِکَن ای گنجِ روان
که من این خانه به سودایِ تو ویران کردم
I vowed I'd never kiss the Cupbearer's sweet lip
now I bite mine—why did I listen to fools' quip?
توبه کردم که نبوسم لبِ ساقی و کنون
می‌گَزَم لب که چرا گوش به نادان کردم
Against all habit, seek your heart's desire indeed
from those disheveled locks I gathered peace, not need.
در خِلاف‌آمدِ عادت بطلب کام! که من
کسب جمعیت از آن زلفِ پریشان کردم
The pattern of concealment and wine's not ours to trace
what the Eternal Sultan decreed, I did with grace.
نقش مستوری و مستی نه به دستِ من و توست
آن چه سلطانِ ازل گفت بکن، آن کردم
I hope for Paradise from Eternal Grace's store
though I've kept watch at tavern's door much and more.
دارم از لطفِ ازل جنَّتِ فردوس طمع
گرچه دربانی میخانه فراوان کردم
That in my old age Joseph's company brings delight
is the reward for patience in grief's hut, dark as night.
این که پیرانه‌سَرَم صحبتِ یوسف بنواخت
اجر صبریست که در کلبهٔ احزان کردم
Rising at dawn and seeking peace, like Hafez true
all that I did came from the Quran's fortune through.
صبح‌خیزی و سلامت طلبی چون حافظ
هر چه کردم همه از دولتِ قرآن کردم
If I sit high in the court of ghazal poetry, what surprise?
For years I've served the Divan's Lord with loyal eyes.
گر به دیوانِ غزل صدرنشینم چه عجب؟
سال‌ها بندگیِ صاحبِ دیوان کردم
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 9/10. This is one of Hafez's most profound poems about life and devotion. The verse about 'cutting this stage with the bird of Solomon' to reach 'the station of the Anqa' is a powerful statement. The observation that 'the design of secrecy and intoxication is not to the hand of mine and yours' but 'what the sultan of eternity said, do, that I did' is a profound statement. The reference to Joseph adds biblical depth. The poem's combination of mysticism and wisdom makes it extremely engaging.