Poem #468
English Translation
Persian
Who bears my message to the Sultan's ear?
In wine-sellers' lane, kings cheap appear.
که بَرَد به نزد شاهان ز من گدا پیامی؟
که به کوی مِی‌فروشان دو هزار جم به جامی
Though ruined and ill-famed, I hope the same
through noble aid to find a noble name.
شده‌ام خراب و بدنام و هنوز امیدوارم
که به همت عزیزان برسم به نیک‌نامی
O Alchemist of hearts, glance at my lead
I have no ware but this poor snare of need.
تو که کیمیافروشی نظری به قلب ما کن
که بضاعتی نداریم و فکنده‌ایم دامی
I marvel at the Loved One's lack of care
no letter, greeting, word is written there.
عجب از وفای جانان که عنایتی نفرمود
نه به نامه‌ای پیامی نه به خامه‌ای سلامی
If this wine's raw, and he 'mature' and dry
better the raw than his hypocrisy.
اگر این شراب خام است اگر آن حریف پخته
به هزار بار بهتر ز هزار پخته خامی
Sheikh, cast no rosary beads upon my way
the wise bird falls not for such simple play.
ز رهم میفکن ای شیخ به دانه‌های تسبیح
که چو مرغ زیرک افتد نفتد به هیچ دامی
I serve you freely; buy me with your grace
for blessed is the servant in your place.
سر خدمت تو دارم بخرم به لطف و مفروش
که چو بنده کمتر افتد به مبارکی غلامی
Where shall I plain? To whom tell this sad tale?
Your lip was life, yet fickle as the gale.
به کجا برم شکایت؟ به که گویم این حکایت؟
که لبت حیات ما بود و نداشتی دوامی
Unleash your eyelash arrow, spill my blood
no one avenges such a killer's flood.
بگشای تیر مژگان و بریز خون حافظ
که چنان کشنده‌ای را نکند کس انتقامی
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses longing and complaint. The verse about asking 'to where do I take complaint? To whom do I say this tale? Your lip was our life and did not have persistence' is a powerful statement. The observation that Hafez is told 'open the arrow of the eyelash and spill the blood of Hafez, for such a killer, no one takes revenge' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of longing and complaint makes it very engaging.
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