Poem #393
English Translation
Persian
I am the one famous in the city for practicing love
I am the one whose eye is not sullied by seeing evil.
منم که شهره شهرم به عشق ورزیدن
منم که دیده نیالوده‌ام به بد دیدن
We keep faith, we bear reproach, and we are happy
for in our path, to take offense is infidelity.
وفا کنیم و ملامت کشیم و خوش باشیم
که در طریقتِ ما کافریست رنجیدن
I asked the Elder of the Tavern: 'What is the path of salvation?'
He called for the cup and said: 'To cover others' faults.'
به پیرِ میکده گفتم که چیست راه نجات
بخواست جامِ می و گفت عیب پوشیدن
What is the heart's desire from viewing the garden of the world?
To gather roses from your face with the hand of the eye.
مرادِ دل ز تماشای باغِ عالم چیست؟
به دستِ مردمِ چشم از رخِ تو گل چیدن
I cast my own image upon the water in wine-worship
only to destroy the idol of self-worship.
به مِیْ پرستی از آن نقشِ خود زدم بر آب
که تا خراب کنم نقشِ خود پرستیدن
I rely on the mercy of your tresses; otherwise
if there is no attraction from that side, what use is my striving?
به رحمتِ سرِ زلفِ تو واثقم ورنه
کشش چو نبود از آن سو چه سود کوشیدن؟
We shall turn our reins from this assembly to the tavern
for it is a duty not to hear the sermons of those who do not practice what they preach.
عنان به میکده خواهیم تافت زین مجلس
که وعظ بی‌عملان واجب است نشنیدن
Learn love for the fair face from the down on the Friend's cheek
for it is pleasant to circle round the cheek of beauties.
ز خطّ یار بیاموز مِهر با رخِ خوب
که گرد عارضِ خوبان خوش است گردیدن
Hafez, kiss nothing but the Cupbearer's lip and the wine-cup
for it is a sin to kiss the hand of those who sell piety.
مبوس جز لبِ ساقی و جامِ می حافظ
که دستِ زهد فروشان خطاست بوسیدن
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses self-awareness and wisdom. The verse about being 'famous of the city to love practicing' and having 'the eye not tainted to bad seeing' is a powerful statement. The observation that the elder of the wine-house said 'fault covering' is the 'path of salvation' when asked is a profound statement. The poem's combination of self-awareness and wisdom makes it very engaging.
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