For the sake of the old man of the tavern and the right of his companionship, Ghazal 405 by Hafez

By @hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi

No lines yet

Description:

In this ghazāl, Hafez celebrates the spiritual path of love and devotion, often associated with the Sufi tradition. He uses the imagery of wine and the tavern as symbols of divine love and spiritual ecstasy.

Key Themes:

Divine love: The poet expresses a deep love and devotion to a higher power, often symbolized by the wine-server or the old man of the tavern.
Spiritual journey: The poet describes his spiritual journey and the challenges he faces on the path to enlightenment.
The importance of companionship: The poet emphasizes the importance of spiritual companionship and guidance.

English Translation for Ghazal

For the sake of the old man of the tavern and the right of his companionship
That there is nothing in my head but the desire for his service

Though paradise is not a place for sinners
Bring wine, for I am empowered by his determination

May the lamp of that radiant cloud be lightning
Which has set fire to our harvest with his love

If you see a head at the tavern door
Don't kick it, for his intention is unknown

Come, for last night in my drunkenness, the heavenly messenger
Gave tidings that his grace is universal

Don't look at me with the eye of contempt, drunk as I am
For no sin or asceticism is without His will

My heart does not desire asceticism or repentance
But let us strive in the name of the master and his good fortune

Hafiz's robe is always pawned for wine
Perhaps it is his nature to be from the dust of the tavern

Ghazal in Persian

به جان پیر خرابات و حق صحبت او

که نیست در سر من جز هوای خدمت او

بهشت اگر چه نه جای گناهکاران است

بیار باده که مستظهرم به همت او

چراغ صاعقه آن سحاب روشن باد

که زد به خرمن ما آتش محبت او

بر آستانه میخانه گر سری بینی

مزن به پای که معلوم نیست نیت او

بیا که دوش به مستی سروش عالم غیب

نوید داد که عام است فیض رحمت او

مکن به چشم حقارت نگاه در من مست

که نیست معصیت و زهد بی مشیت او

نمی‌کند دل من میل زهد و توبه ولی

به نام خواجه بکوشیم و فر دولت او

مدام خرقه حافظ به باده در گرو است

مگر ز خاک خرابات بود فطرت او

@hamed Oct. 10, 2024, 4:02 p.m.

Key Persian terms and nuances:

پیر خرابات: old man of the tavern (a symbol of spiritual guide)
صاعقه: lightning
خرمن: harvest
سروش: heavenly messenger

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.

Back to Ghazal List Previous Next