Every seeker who knows the way to the tavern: Ghazal 47 by Hafez
Every seeker who knows the way to the tavern: Ghazal 47 by Hafez
By
@hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi
به کویِ میکده هر سالِکی که رَه دانست
دری دگر زدن اندیشهٔ تَبَه دانست
***
زمانه افسر رندی نداد جز به کسی
که سرفرازیِ عالَم در این کُلَه دانست
***
بر آستانهٔ میخانه هر که یافت رَهی
ز فیضِ جامِ مِی اَسرار خانقَه دانست
***
هر آن که رازِ دو عالم ز خطِ ساغَر خواند
رُموزِ جامِ جم از نقشِ خاکِ ره دانست
***
ورایِ طاعتِ دیوانگان ز ما مَطَلَب
که شیخِ مذهبِ ما عاقلی گُنَه دانست
***
دلم ز نرگسِ ساقی اَمان نخواست به جان
چرا که شیوهٔ آن تُرکِ دل سیه دانست
***
ز جورِ کوکبِ طالع ،سَحَرگَهان چشمم
چنان گریست که ناهید دید و مَه دانست
***
حدیثِ حافظ و ساغر که می‌زند پنهان
چه جایِ محتسب و شِحنه، پادشَه دانست
***
بلندمرتبه شاهی که نُه رِواقِ سِپِهر
نمونه‌ای ز خَمِ طاقِ بارگَه دانست
***
Description:
English Translation:
Every seeker who knows the way to the tavern
Has considered it wise to knock on another door.
Time has bestowed the crown of roguery on none
But one who has understood that the world's glory is in this cap.
Whoever found a path to the tavern's threshold
Learned the secrets of the monastery from the cup of wine's bounty.
Whoever read the secrets of both worlds from the wine cup’s line
Learned the mysteries of the Jamshid’s cup from the dust of the path.
Don’t ask us for anything beyond the devotion of the mad,
For our religious scholar considers wisdom to be a sin.
My heart did not seek safety from the glances of the wine-server’s eye,
For it knew the ways of that black-hearted Turk.
From the cruelty of the morning star, my eyes wept so much
That Venus and the moon knew it.
The tale of Hafez and the cup, which he tells in secret,
Even the king knows, let alone the moral police and the bailiff.
The high-ranking king, whose nine-domed sky
Is a mere sample of the arch of his royal court.
Explanation of the Ghazal
In this ghazal, Hafez explores themes of spirituality, worldly wisdom, and the hypocrisy of religious authorities. He uses vivid imagery and poetic devices to create a rich and evocative atmosphere.
Key Themes:
Spiritual Seeking: The poet suggests that true spiritual enlightenment can be found through wine and love, rather than through strict religious practices.
Criticism of Religious Authority: Hafez criticizes the hypocrisy of religious scholars who condemn pleasure.
The Wisdom of the Tavern: The poet elevates the tavern to a place of spiritual and intellectual enlightenment.
The Transience of Worldly Affairs: Hafez reminds the reader of the impermanence of worldly power and possessions.
Key Persian terms and their nuances:
کوی میکده: The street of the tavern
جام جم: The legendary cup of Jamshid, said to grant immortality
محتسب: Moral police
شِحنه: Bailiff
This ghazal is a beautiful example of Hafez's poetic mastery, combining deep philosophical thoughts with a celebration of life's pleasures. The poet's use of metaphors and similes creates a rich tapestry of meaning.