Poem #403
English Translation
Persian
Behold the ruby-colored wine, the moon-browed beauties' radiant grace;
Forget the austere creed of those, and gaze upon this lovely face.
شراب لعل‌کش و روی مه‌جبینان بین
خلاف مذهب آنان جمال اینان بین
Beneath the patched and pious cloak, they hide their snares and secret bands;
Behold the long and reaching grasp of these who pray with short-sleeved hands.
به زیر دلق ملمّع کمندها دارند
درازدستی این کوته‌آستینان بین
Bow not your head for all the wealth the two worlds offer or deny;
Behold the pride and high disdain of those who glean the fields and sigh.
به خرمن دو جهان سر فرونمی‌آرند
دماغ و کبر گدایان و خوشه‌چینان بین
For half a glance of coquetry, they demand a thousand souls as prize;
Behold the lover's desperate need, the disdain in the loved one's eyes.
بهای نیم کرشمه هزار جان طلبند
نیاز اهل دل و ناز نازنینان بین
She cast our friendship to the wind, departed, and forgot our bond;
Behold the faith of intimate friends, of whom our foolish hearts are fond.
حقوق صحبت ما را به باد داد و برفت
وفای صحبت یاران و همنشینان بین
To fall a captive to Love's power is my one hope of liberty;
Behold the mind of prudent men who plan for all eternity!
اسیر عشق شدن چارهٔ خلاص من است
ضمیر عاقبت‌اندیش پیش‌بینان بین
The Friend's sweet converse washes clean the dust from Hafez's weary heart;
Behold the purity of those who choose the true and stainless part.
کدورت از دل حافظ ببرد صحبت دوست
صفای همّت پاکان و پاک‌دینان بین
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses wisdom and observation. The verse about 'the long-handedness of these short-sleeved ones' who 'have lassos under the decorated cloak' is a powerful statement. The observation that 'becoming captive of love is the remedy of release' according to 'the heart of the end-thinking foreseeing ones' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of wisdom and observation makes it very engaging.
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