Poem #458
English Translation
Persian
O heart, when you are ruined by the rose-colored wine
without gold, you outshine Qarun in a hundred signs.
ای دل آن دم که خراب از می گلگون باشی
بی زر و گنج به صد حشمت قارون باشی
In the rank where they grant high office to the poor
I hope that in station, you exceed all, secure.
در مقامی که صدارت به فقیران بخشند
چشم دارم که به جاه از همه افزون باشی
On the path to Layla's abode, where dangers breed
the first condition is that you be Majnun, in deed.
در ره منزل لیلی که خطرهاست در آن
شرط اول قدم آن است که مجنون باشی
I showed you the point of Love, beware, do not stray
else when you look, you'll be outside the circle's way.
نقطهٔ عشق نمودم به تو هان سهو مکن
ور نه چون بنگری از دایره بیرون باشی
The caravan is gone, you sleep, and the desert lies ahead
when will you go? Whom will you ask? What will you do? How will you tread?
کاروان رفت و تو در خواب و بیابان در پیش
کی روی؟ ره ز که پرسی؟ چه کنی؟ چون باشی؟
You seek the kingly crown? Show your inherent gem's grace
even if you come from Jamshid and Fereydun's race.
تاج شاهی طلبی، گوهر ذاتی بنمای
ور خود از تخمهٔ جمشید و فریدون باشی
Drink a goblet and scatter a sip to the sky
how long will you let the world's grief make your liver dry?
ساغری نوش کن و جرعه بر افلاک فشان
چند و چند از غم ایام جگرخون باشی؟
Hafez, lament not poverty; if this is your song
no happy heart approves that you be sad for long.
حافظ از فقر مکن ناله که گر شعر این است
هیچ خوش‌دل نپسندد که تو محزون باشی
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses advice and warning. The verse about 'the caravan went and you are in sleep and the desert is in front' and asking 'when do you go? Path from whom do you ask? What do you do? How are you?' is a powerful statement. The references to Qarun, Layla and Majnun, and Jamshid and Fereydun add cultural depth. The observation that Hafez is told 'don't lament from poverty, for if poetry is this, no pleasant-hearted one approves that you be sad' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of advice and warning makes it very engaging.