Poem #457
English Translation
Persian
I made a thousand efforts that you might be my friend
that you might grant the wish of my restless heart in the end.
هزار جهد بکردم که یار من باشی
مرادبخش دل بی‌قرار من باشی
That you might become the lamp of my night-waking eye
the companion of my hopeful heart, as the days go by.
چراغِ دیدهٔ شب‌زنده‌دار من گردی
انیسِ خاطر امّیدوار من باشی
When kings of beauty show coquetry to their slave
may you, in the midst, be my Lord, noble and brave.
چو خسروانِ ملاحت، به بندگان نازند
تو در میانه، خداوندگار من باشی
From that ruby lip that makes my heart bleed with its art
if I complain, may you remove the grief from my heart.
از آن عقیق که خونین‌دلم ز عشوهٔ او
اگر کنم گله‌ای غم‌گسار من باشی
In that garden where idols take their lovers' hand
if it lies in your power, be my Beloved in the land.
در آن چمن که بتان، دست عاشقان گیرند
گرت ز دست برآید، نگار من باشی
One night, come to the hut where lovers' griefs reside
be for a moment the companion of my mourning heart inside.
شبی به کلبهٔ احزانِ عاشقان آیی
دمی انیسِ دلِ سوگوارِ من باشی
The sun's gazelle would become my lean prey to hold
if a gazelle like you, for one moment, I could enfold.
شود غزالهٔ خورشید، صید لاغر من
گر آهویی چو تو یک دم، شکار من باشی
Three kisses from your two lips you made my due
if you pay them not, you remain my debtor, it is true.
سه بوسه کز دو لبت، کرده‌ای وظیفهٔ من
اگر ادا نکنی، قرض‌دار من باشی
I see this wish for myself: that at midnight's tide
instead of flowing tears, you are by my side.
من این مراد ببینم به خود که نیم‌شبی
به جای اشک روان، در کنار من باشی
Though I am Hafez of the city, I am worth but a grain
unless, by your grace, you become my Friend, removing pain.
من ار چه حافظ شهرم، جویی نمی‌ارزم
مگر تو از کرم خویش، یار من باشی
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses longing and plea. The verse about asking 'if you don't perform the duty of three kisses from your two lips, you will be my debtor' is a powerful statement. The observation that Hafez says 'I, although Hafez of the city, am not worthy of seeking, perhaps you from your own generosity will be my friend' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of longing and plea makes it very engaging.
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