Poem #456
English Translation
Persian
It is new spring, strive to be of pleasant heart and gay
for many a rose will bloom again while you are turned to clay.
نوبهار است در آن کوش که خوش‌دل باشی
که بسی گُل بدمد باز و تو در گِل باشی
I say not with whom to sit, nor what wine to pour
for you know well yourself, if wisdom is your store.
من نگویم که کنون با که نشین و چه بنوش
که تو خود دانی اگر زیرک و عاقل باشی
The harp behind the veil gives this advice so clear
but sermons only profit you if you have a listening ear.
چنگ در پرده همین می‌دهدت پند ولی
وعظت آن گاه کند سود که قابل باشی
In the meadow, every leaf is a page of a different state
'tis a pity if you neglect them all, leaving them to fate.
در چمن هر ورقی دفتر حالی دگر است
حیف باشد که ز کار همه غافل باشی
The world's grief steals the cash of your life in vain
if night and day you dwell in this tale of pain.
نقد عمرت ببرد غصهٔ دنیا به گزاف
گر شب و روز در این قصهٔ مشکل باشی
Though the path from us to the Friend is full of fear
the going is easy if the destination is clear.
گر چه راهی‌ست پر از بیم ز ما تا بر دوست
رفتن آسان بود ار واقف منزل باشی
O Hafez, if help comes from your fortune high and true
you shall hunt that pleasant-formed beauty, waiting for you.
حافظا گر مدد از بخت بلندت باشد
صید آن شاهد مطبوع‌شمایل باشی
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses carpe diem philosophy and advice. The verse about 'new spring is, in that strive that you be pleasant-hearted, for much rose blooms again and you may be in clay' is a powerful statement. The observation that 'the cash of your life is taken away by the grief of the world in vain if you are in this difficult tale night and day' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of carpe diem philosophy and advice makes it very engaging.
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