Poem #475
English Translation
Persian
They call you Second Joseph, fair and true;
But truth beheld finds Joseph less than you.
گفتند خلایق که تویی یوسف ثانی
چون نیک بدیدم به حقیقت به از آنی
Sweeter you are than words can ever say;
O King of Beauty, sweet in every way.
شیرین‌تر از آنی به شکرخنده که گویم
ای خسرو خوبان که تو شیرین زمانی
To liken you to buds is wrong, I see;
No bud has such a mouth's slight mystery.
تشبیه دهانت نتوان کرد به غنچه
هرگز نبود غنچه بدین تنگ دهانی
You promised kisses, yet you speak in vain;
Like 'tongued' lilies, words alone remain.
صد بار بگفتی که دهم زان دهنت کام
چون سوسن آزاده چرا جمله زبانی؟
You say: 'I'll give desire and take your soul.'
I fear the taking is the only goal.
گویی بدهم کامت و جانت بستانم
ترسم ندهی کامم و جانم بستانی
Your eye's sharp arrow pierced my soul's shield through;
Who can withstand a bow so taut and true?
چشم تو خدنگ از سپر جان گذراند
بیمار که دیده‌ست بدین سخت کمانی
If you drive one from favor, he must go;
Like fallen tears that from the eyelids flow.
چون اشک بیندازیش از دیدهٔ مردم
آن را که دمی از نظر خویش برانی
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses praise and plea. The verse about the people saying 'you are Joseph second' and Hafez saying 'when I saw well, to truth you are better than that' is a powerful statement. The reference to Joseph adds cultural depth. The observation that Hafez says 'I fear you don't give my desire and you take my soul' when the beloved says 'I give your desire and take your soul' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of praise and plea makes it very engaging.
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