Poem #449
English Translation
Persian
O you who deem the lovers' separation right and fair
Keeping the devoted ones far from your presence and care.
ای که مهجوری عشاق روا می‌داری
عاشقان را ز بر خویش جدا می‌داری
Succor the desert's thirsty one with water pure and clear
For the hope in God you hold on this path so dear.
تشنهٔ بادیه را هم به زلالی دریاب
به امیدی که در این ره به خدا می‌داری
You stole my heart, and I forgave you, O Soul, it is true
But keep it better than you keep me, I beg of you.
دل ببردی و بحل کردمت ای جان لیکن
به از این دار نگاهش که مرا می‌داری
Our goblet, from which other rivals drink their fill
We shall not bear it, even if you deem it your will.
ساغر ما که حریفان دگر می‌نوشند
ما تحمل نکنیم ار تو روا می‌داری
O fly, the Simurgh's court is no place for your play
You disgrace yourself and trouble us with your display.
ای مگس حضرت سیمرغ نه جولانگه توست
عرض خود می‌بری و زحمت ما می‌داری
You fell from this door, deprived by your own mistake
Of whom do you complain, and why this outcry do you make?
تو به تقصیر خود افتادی از این در محروم
از که می‌نالی و فریاد چرا می‌داری؟
Hafez, they seek rank from kings through service and deed
With no effort made, what hope of a gift do you feed?
حافظ از پادشهان پایه به خدمت طلبند
سعی نابرده چه امید عطا می‌داری؟
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses plea and warning. The verse about telling the fly 'the presence of the Simurgh is not your playground, you take your presentation and have our trouble' is a powerful statement. The reference to the Simurgh adds cultural depth. The observation that Hafez asks 'what hope of gift do you have' when 'effort is not made' and 'from the kings they ask rank to service' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of plea and warning makes it very engaging.