Poem #399
English Translation
Persian
Perform a coquetry and break the market of magic
with a glance, shatter the prosperity and honor of the Samaritan wizard.
کرشمه‌ای کن و بازار ساحری بشکن
به غمزه رونق و ناموس سامری بشکن
Cast the head and turban of the world to the wind
tilt your cap and break the custom of lordship.
به باد ده سر و دستار عالمی
یعنی کلاه گوشه به آیین سروری بشکن
Tell your tress to abandon the custom of ravishing hearts
tell your glance to break the heart of tyranny.
به زلف گوی که آیین دلبری بگذار
به غمزه گوی که قلب ستمگری بشکن
Walk forth and steal the ball of beauty from all
give the Houri her due, but break the fairy's fame.
برون خرام و ببر گوی خوبی از همه کس
سزای حور بده رونق پری بشکن
With the glance of a gazelle, capture the Lion of the Sun
with your two eyebrows, break the bow of Jupiter.
به آهوان نظر شیر آفتاب بگیر
به ابروان دوتا قوس مشتری بشکن
When the hyacinth's curl scatters perfume in the wind
break its price with the amber of your own tress.
چو عطرسای شود زلف سنبل از دم باد
تو قیمتش به سر زلف عنبری بشکن
When the nightingale boasts of eloquence, O Hafez
break his value by reciting verse in Persian.
چو عندلیب فصاحت فروشد ای حافظ
تو قدر او به سخن گفتن دری بشکن
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses rebellion and breaking conventions. The verse about asking to 'break the market of magic with a coquetry' and 'break the honor of the Samaritan with coquetry' is a powerful statement. The reference to the Samaritan adds biblical depth. The observation that Hafez should 'break the value of the nightingale's eloquence to saying word in Persian' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of rebellion and breaking conventions makes it very engaging.