Poem #446
English Translation
Persian
O Zephyr, you bear the fragrance of that musk-scented hair
May you remain as a keepsake, for her scent you bear.
صبا تو نکهت آن زلف مشک بو داری
به یادگار بمانی که بوی او داری
My heart, which holds the gem of Beauty's and Love's deep secret tight
I can entrust to your hand, if you keep it right.
دلم که گوهر اسرار حسن و عشق در اوست
توان به دست تو دادن گرش نکو داری
Of that pleasant form, nothing can be said, save this
That harsh-tempered rivals guard your bliss.
در آن شمایل مطبوع هیچ نتوان گفت
جز این قدر که رقیبان تندخو داری
How can the nightingale's song please you, O Rose so fair
When to idle-chattering birds you lend your ear and care.
نوای بلبلت ای گل کجا پسند افتد
که گوش و هوش به مرغان هرزه گو داری
My head spun drunk from your sip—cheers to the wine!
From which vat comes this vintage that in your jug does shine?
به جرعه تو سرم مست گشت نوشت باد
خود از کدام خم است این که در سبو داری
Do not boast of your height, O cypress of the stream
For if you reached her, you'd bow your head in a shameful dream.
به سرکشی خود ای سرو جویبار مناز
که گر بدو رسی از شرم سر فروداری
To boast of Beauty's realms like the sun is your right to own
For moon-faced servants stand before your throne.
دم از ممالک خوبی چو آفتاب زدن
تو را رسد که غلامان ماه رو داری
The robe of beauty-selling fits you alone, it is true
For like the rose, you possess every custom of scent and hue.
قبای حسن فروشی تو را برازد و بس
که همچو گل همه آیین رنگ و بو داری
Seek not the gem of Love in the monastery's nook, O Hafez
Step out, if for the search, a longing you took.
ز کنج صومعه حافظ مجوی گوهر عشق
قدم برون نه اگر میل جست و جو داری
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses praise and advice. The verse about telling Hafez 'don't seek the gem of love from the corner of the monastery, put your foot out if you have desire for search and seeking' is a powerful statement. The observation that 'the robe of beauty-selling befits you and enough, for like the rose you have all custom of color and fragrance' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of praise and advice makes it very engaging.
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