Do you know what wealth is? To see the beloved, Ghazal 392 by Hafez

Do you know what wealth is? To see the beloved, Ghazal 392 by Hafez

By @hamed on October 10, 2024

Do you know what wealth is? To see the beloved, Ghazal 392 by Hafez

By hamed @hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi

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Description:

In this ghazāl, Hafez explores themes of love, longing, and the transience of life. He contrasts the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures with the enduring value of spiritual connection.

Key Themes:

Love and longing: The poet expresses a deep longing for his beloved and the joy of their companionship.
The transience of life: The poem emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the present moment.
Spiritual connection: The poet suggests that true wealth and happiness come from spiritual connection and the love of God.


English Translation for Ghazal

Do you know what wealth is? To see the beloved
To choose beggary in their street over kingship


To give up one's life is easy, but
To part from dear friends is difficult

I wish to become a bud in the garden, with a heavy heart
And there, with a good name, tear my garment

Sometimes to speak a secret with the rose like a gentle breeze
Sometimes to hear tales of love from the nightingales

Do not let go of the first kiss of your beloved
For in the end, you will become weary and bite your lip

Count the moments of conversation, for from this two-way path
Once we pass, we can never meet again

It seems Hafiz has been forgotten by Shah Yahya
O Lord, remember him, the nourisher of the poor

Ghazal in Persian

دانی که چیست دولت؟ دیدار یار دیدن

در کوی او گدایی بر خسروی گزیدن

 

از جان طمع بریدن آسان بود ولیکن

از دوستان جانی مشکل توان بریدن

 

خواهم شدن به بستان چون غنچه با دل تنگ

وآنجا به نیک نامی پیراهنی دریدن

 

گه چون نسیم با گل راز نهفته گفتن

گه سر عشقبازی از بلبلان شنیدن

 

بوسیدن لب یار اول ز دست مگذار

کآخر ملول گردی از دست و لب گزیدن

 

فرصت شمار صحبت کز این دوراهه منزل

چون بگذریم دیگر نتوان به هم رسیدن

 

گویی برفت حافظ از یاد شاه یحیی

یا رب به یادش آور درویش پروریدن


hamed
@hamed Oct. 10, 2024, 6:41 a.m.

Key Persian terms and nuances:

یار: beloved
غنچه: bud
نسیم: gentle breeze
بلبل: nightingale
Some of the nuances that are difficult to fully capture in translation include:

The intricate use of imagery: Hafez often uses multiple layers of symbolism and metaphor to convey his meaning.
The musicality of the Persian language: The sounds and rhythms of the Persian language contribute significantly to the emotional impact of the poem.
Sufi concepts: The poem is rich in Sufi symbolism and concepts, which can be challenging to convey in a different cultural context.