Poem #491
English Translation
Persian
I fixed my eyes upon the brows of that Moon silver-bright
Upon the down of youthful bloom I set my soul’s delight.
به چشم کرده‌ام ابروی ماه سیمایی
خیال سبزخطی نقش بسته‌ام جایی
I hope the royal charter of my love, so long concealed
Will by the arch of those twin brows be signed and duly sealed.
امید هست که منشور عشق‌بازی من
از آن کمانچهٔ ابرو رسد به طغرایی
My head is lost, my eyes are scorched from watching for your grace
In yearning for the Head and Eye that lights our meeting place.
سرم ز دست بشد چشم از انتظار بسوخت
در آرزوی سر و چشم مجلس‌آرایی
My heart is dark and clouded o'er; I'll set my cloak on fire!
Come, watch and see whose spectacle is burned in my desire!
مکدر است دل آتش به خرقه خواهم زد
بیا ببین که که را می‌کند تماشایی!
When I am dead, hew out my bier from cypress wood and leaf
For I go bearing in my heart a tall and stately grief.
به روز واقعه تابوت ما ز سرو کنید
که می‌رویم به داغ بلندبالایی
I, the poor dervish, gave my heart to one of royal mien
Who cares not for the crown or throne, or kingdom unseen.
زمام دل به کسی داده‌ام منِ درویش
که نیستش به کس از تاج و تخت پروایی
Where lovely ones strike with the sword of coquetry and pride
Wonder not if a severed head rolls by the victim's side.
در آن مقام که خوبان ز غمزه تیغ زنند
عجب مدار سری اوفتاده در پایی
For me, whose chamber is illumined by that moon-bright Face
What care have I for starry skies or heaven's outer space?
مرا که از رخ او ماه در شبستان است
کجا بود به فروغ ستاره‌پروایی؟
Union or parting, what are they? Seek but the Friend's content
To ask for aught but His desire is time and spirit spent.
فراق و وصل چه باشد؟ رضای دوست طلب
که حیف باشد از او غیر او تمنایی
The fish shall bring up pearls of price and scatter them in glee
If once the ship of Hafez sails upon their open sea.
دُرَر ز شوق برآرند ماهیان به نثار
اگر سفینهٔ حافظ رسد به دریایی
Cultural Context
US Interest Rank: 8/10. This poem expresses devotion and longing. The verse about 'the head went from the hand and the eye burned from waiting' and 'in the desire of the head and the eye, assembly-making' is a powerful statement. The observation that 'if the ship of Hafez reaches a sea, the fish bring pearls from longing to scatter' is a striking statement. The poem's combination of devotion and longing makes it very engaging.
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