Poem #413
English Translation
Persian
The down upon the Friend's fair cheek that stole the moonlit glow
Forms a lovely circle, yet to any door it will not go.
خط عذار یار که بگرفت ماه از او
خوش حلقه‌ای‌ست لیک به در نیست راه از او
Her eyebrow is the sacred niche where Fortune grants her grace;
There press your brow into the dust and beg to see her face.
ابروی دوست گوشهٔ محراب دولت است
آن جا بمال چهره و حاجت بخواه از او
O you who sip from Jamshid's cup, keep pure your heart and breast;
This world-revealing goblet is a mirror manifest.
ای جرعه‌نوش مجلس جم! سینه پاک دار
کآیینه‌ای‌ست جام جهان‌بین که آه از او
The cloister's hypocrites have driven me to worship wine;
See how the smoke of my despair has blackened every line.
کردار اهل صومعه‌ام کرد مِی‌پرست
این دود بین که نامهٔ من شد سیاه از او
Let Sorrow's tyrant do his worst with threats or harsh decree;
I've found my refuge at the tavern with the wine-sellers set free.
سلطان غم هر آن چه تواند بگو بکن
من بُرده‌ام به باده‌فروشان پناه از او
Cupbearer, raise the lamp of wine before the climbing sun;
Bid morning light its flaming torch from this resplendent one.
ساقی چراغ می به ره آفتاب دار
گو بر فروز مشعلهٔ صبحگاه از او
Sprinkle fresh water on the journal of our guilt and sin;
Perhaps the letters of our fault will melt and fade therein.
آبی به روزنامهٔ اعمال ما فشان
باشد توان سترد حروف گناه از او
Hafez has tuned the minstrel's lute to suit the lovers' art;
May never this assembly ground be empty of his heart.
حافظ که ساز مطرب عشاق ساز کرد
خالی مباد عرصهٔ این بزمگاه از او
Can it be true, this dream the beggar of the city weaves,
That one day even kings will ask, "Where is that soul who grieves?"
آیا در این خیال که دارد گدای شهر
روزی بود که یاد کند پادشاه از او؟
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses seeking refuge and hope. The verse about the eyebrow of the friend being 'the corner of the prayer niche of fortune' and asking to 'rub the face and ask need there' is a powerful statement. The reference to Jam adds cultural depth. The observation that Hafez asks if 'the king may remember' the 'beggar of the city' who 'has this image' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of seeking refuge and hope makes it very engaging.