Poem #422
English Translation
Persian
O you who come with lengthy tresses like a chain
Seize this chance, for to soothe the mad you come again.
ای که با سلسلهٔ زلف دراز آمده‌ای
فرصتت باد که دیوانه‌نواز آمده‌ای
For one hour leave your airs aside, change your custom now
For to inquire of the needy ones, you come, I vow.
ساعتی ناز مفرما و بگردان عادت
چون به پرسیدن ارباب نیاز آمده‌ای
I die before your stature tall, in peace or war the same
For in all states, worthy of love and pride, you come to claim.
پیش بالای تو میرم چه به صلح و چه به جنگ
چون به هر حال برازندهٔ ناز آمده‌ای
Fire and water you have mixed within your ruby lip
Far be the evil eye! For with such magic tricks you trip.
آب و آتش به هم آمیخته‌ای از لب لعل
چشم بد دور که بس شَعبده‌باز آمده‌ای
Blessings upon your tender heart, that for a holy deed
You come to pray o'er him whom your own glances made to bleed.
آفرین بر دل نرم تو که از بهر ثواب
کشتهٔ غمزهٔ خود را به نماز آمده‌ای
What is my piety to you? For to despoil my heart
Drunk and disheveled, to my secret shrine you come apart.
زهد من با تو چه سنجد که به یغمای دلم
مست و آشفته به خلوتگه راز آمده‌ای
He said: 'O Hafez, once again your cloak is stained with wine
Perhaps from that sect's creed you've turned, to worship at this shrine?'
گفت حافظ دگرت خرقه شراب آلوده‌ست
مگر از مذهب این طایفه باز آمده‌ای
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses welcome and transformation. The verse about the beloved being 'water and fire mixed together from the ruby lip' and 'much trick-playing' is a powerful statement. The observation that Hafez asks if the beloved has 'come back from the religion of this group' because 'again your cloak is wine-stained' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of welcome and transformation makes it very engaging.
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