Poem #352
English Translation
Persian
Long have I served within the tavern's hall
a beggar's robe hides one whom kings might call.
روزگاری شد که در میخانه خدمت می‌کنم
در لباسِ فقر کارِ اهلِ دولت می‌کنم
How long must I wait to snare the bird of grace?
I lie in ambush, hoping for a time and place.
تا کی اندر دام وصل آرم تَذَروی خوش‌خِرام
در کمینم و انتظار وقتِ فرصت می‌کنم
Our preacher never caught the scent of Truth's perfume
I say this to his face, not in a hidden room.
واعظِ ما بوی حق نشنید بشنو کاین سخن
در حضورش نیز می‌گویم نه غیبت می‌کنم
Stumbling with the breeze, I seek the Friend's abode
and ask the pilgrims for strength upon the road.
با صبا افتان و خیزان می‌روم تا کویِ دوست
و از رفیقان ره استمدادِ همت می‌کنم
Your street's dust cannot bear my heavy load of pain
you've shown much kindness, Idol—I'll not complain.
خاکِ کویت زحمت ما برنتابد بیش از این
لطف‌ها کردی بتا، تخفیفِ زحمت می‌کنم
Her tress is a trap, her glance a fatal dart
remember this advice I give to you, O heart.
زلفِ دلبر دامِ راه و غمزه‌اش تیرِ بلاست
یاد دار ای دل که چندینت نصیحت می‌کنم
O Generous One who hides our faults, shield me from sight
of those who judge the deeds I do in lonely night.
دیدهٔ بدبین بپوشان ای کریمِ عیب‌پوش
زین دلیری‌ها که من در کُنجِ خلوت می‌کنم
I am Hafez: in this crowd a drinker of the lees
see how I jest with art, and do as I please.
حافظم در مجلسی دُردی‌کشم در محفلی
بنگر این شوخی که چون با خلق، صنعت می‌کنم
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses service and devotion. The verse about being 'in ambush' and 'waiting for the time of opportunity' to catch 'a partridge, pleasant-walking in the trap of union' is a powerful statement. The observation that Hafez does 'the work of the people of fortune in the garment of poverty' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of service and devotion makes it very engaging.
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