Poem #451
English Translation
Persian
The Heavens favored you well on the day of decree
now how will you offer thanks, and what shall your offering be?
خوش کرد یاوری فلکت روز داوری
تا شکر چون کنی و چه شکرانه آوری
He who fell, God took his hand and raised him high
say, it is for you to heed the fallen one's sigh.
آن کس که اوفتاد خدایش گرفت دست
گو بر تو باد تا غم افتادگان خوری
In Love's lane, kingly glory buys no grace
confess your servitude, and show a humble face.
در کوی عشق شوکت شاهی نمی‌خرند
اقرار بندگی کن و اظهار چاکری
Come through my door, Saki, with glad tidings of glee
to banish for a moment the world's grief from me.
ساقی به مژدگانی عیش از درم درآی
تا یک دم از دلم غم دنیا به در بری
On the royal road of rank and power, dangers lie deep
'tis better to pass this pass with a burden light to keep.
در شاه‌راه جاه و بزرگی خطر بسی‌ست
آن به کز این گریوه سبک‌بار بگذری
The Sultan has his army, his crown, and treasure's schemes
the Dervish has his peace of heart and the Qalandar's corner of dreams.
سلطان و فکر لشکر و سودای تاج و گنج
درویش و امن خاطر و کنج قلندری
May I speak a Sufi word, with your leave, O light of my eyes?
Peace is better than war and judgment's cries.
یک حرف صوفیانه بگویم اجازت است؟
ای نور دیده صلح به از جنگ و داوری
Attaining desire depends on thought and will so true
from the King, a vow of good, and from Grace, help comes to you.
نیل مراد بر حسب فکر و همت است
از شاه نذر خیر و ز توفیق یاوری
Hafez, wash not the dust of poverty and content from your face
for this dust is better than alchemy's golden trace.
حافظ غبار فقر و قناعت ز رخ مشوی
کاین خاک بهتر از عمل کیمیاگری
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses wisdom and contentment. The verse about telling Hafez 'don't wipe the dust of poverty and contentment from the face, for this earth is better than the work of alchemy' is a powerful statement. The observation that 'in the quarter of love, the glory of kingship is not bought' and one should 'confess servitude and express service' is a profound statement. The poem's combination of wisdom and contentment makes it very engaging.
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