Poem #477
English Translation
Persian
Two clever friends, old wine to cheer the soul;
Leisure, a book, and garden's quiet goal.
دو یار زیرک و از بادهٔ کهن دو منی
فراغتی و کتابی و گوشهٔ چمنی
I would not trade this corner for the earth,
though crowds pursue me, weighing up my worth.
من این مقام به دنیا و آخرت ندهم
اگر چه در پِی‌ام افتند هر دم انجمنی
Who sells contentment for the world's false gold
like Joseph for a pittance he is sold.
هر آن که کنج قناعت به گنج دنیا داد
فروخت یوسف مصری به کمترین ثمنی
Come! For this workshop's glory shall not fade
by sinner's wine or saint's devout parade.
بیا که رونق این کارخانه کم نشود
به زهدِ همچو تویی، یا به فسق همچو منی
The storms of Fate so ravage this fair land
we know not where the rose or jasmine stand.
ز تندباد حوادث نمی‌توان دیدن
در این چمن که گلی بوده است یا سَمنی
Behold the Unseen in the wine-cup's gaze;
No memory holds the wonder of these days.
ببین در آینهٔ جام، نقش‌بندیِ غیب
که کس به یاد ندارد چنین عجب زَمنی
Strange that from winds that poison every breath
the scent of rose survives the chill of death.
از این سَموم که بر طَرْف بوستان بگذشت
عجب که بوی گلی هست و رنگ نسترنی
Have patience, Heart! The Truth shall not permit
demons to wear the ring where Kings should sit.
به صبر کوش تو ای دل که حق رها نکند
چنین عزیز نگینی به دست اهرمنی
The age is sick, corruption stains the air;
Where is the Brahmin's thought, the Sage's care?
مزاجِ دَهر تَبَه شد در این بلا حافظ
کجاست فکر حکیمی و رای برهمنی؟
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses contentment and wisdom. The verse about 'two clever friends and old wine, two manns, leisure and a book and a corner of a garden' and saying 'I don't give this rank to the world and the hereafter' is a powerful statement. The reference to Joseph of Egypt adds cultural depth. The observation that Hafez asks 'where is the thought of a wise one and the opinion of a Brahmin' when 'the temperament of the time became corrupted in this calamity' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of contentment and wisdom makes it very engaging.
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