I asked, “When will your lips grant my heart its desire?” Ghazal 198 by Hafez

By hamed @hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi | 13 4

گفتم کِی ام دهان و لبت کامران کنند؟

گفتا به چشم هر چه تو گویی چُنان کنند

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گفتم خَراجِ مصر طلب می‌کند لبت

گفتا در این معامله کمتر زیان کنند

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گفتم به نقطهٔ دهنت خود که بُرد راه؟

گفت این حکایتیست که با نکته‌دان کنند

***

گفتم صَنم‌پَرست مشو با صَمَد نشین

گفتا به کویِ عشق هم این و هم آن کنند

***

گفتم هوایِ میکده غم می‌بَرَد ز دل

گفتا خوش آن کَسان که دلی شادمان کنند

***

گفتم شراب و خِرقه نه آیینِ مذهب است

گفت این عمل به مذهبِ پیرِ مغان کنند

***

گفتم ز لَعلِ نوش‌ْلبان پیر را چه سود؟

گفتا به بوسهٔ شِکَرینَش جوان کنند

***

گفتم که خواجه کِی به سرِ حجله می‌رود؟

گفت آن زمان که مشتری و مَه قِران کنند

***

گفتم دعایِ دولت او وِردِ حافظ است

گفت این دعا ملایکِ هفت آسمان کنند

***


Description:

English Translation:

I asked, “When will your lips grant my heart its desire?”
She said, “Your eyes will see whatever you wish to see.”

I asked, “Your lips demand the tribute of Egypt,”
She said, “In this trade, they will lose less.”

I asked, “What path did your mole take to your mouth?”
She said, “This is a tale that is told to the discerning.”

I said, “Don’t be an idolater and sit with the Eternal One,”
She said, “In the street of love, both this and that are done.”

I said, “The tavern’s air takes sorrow from the heart,”
She said, “Blessed are those who have a joyful heart.”

I said, “Wine and a robe are not the religion’s way,”
She said, “This act is done according to the religion of the Magi.”

I asked, “What good is wine from ruby lips to the old?”
She said, “With a sweet kiss, they rejuvenate.”

I asked, “When will the master go to the bridal chamber?”
She said, “When Jupiter and the moon are in conjunction.”

I said, “The prayer for his prosperity is Hafez’s constant supplication,”
She said, “This prayer is made by the angels of the seven heavens.”


English Translation for Ghazal

English translation for Ghazal.

متن غزل

Original poem in Persian

hamed
@hamed Sept. 5, 2024, 1:20 p.m.

Explanation of the Ghazal

In this ghazal, Hafez explores themes of love, mysticism, and the complexities of human relationships. He uses a dialogue format, asking questions and providing answers to create a playful and engaging tone.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 5, 2024, 1:20 p.m.

Key Themes:

Divine Love: The poet explores the nature of divine love and its connection to earthly desires.
Mystical Imagery: Hafez uses mystical imagery and symbolism to describe the spiritual journey of the lover.
The Beloved as a Divine Entity: The beloved is depicted as a divine being, capable of granting desires and fulfilling wishes.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 5, 2024, 1:21 p.m.

Key Persian terms and nuances:

مصر: Egypt, often used symbolically to represent a place of great wealth and beauty
صمد: The eternal and self-sufficient God
مغ: A Zoroastrian priest, often associated with ancient wisdom

hamed
@hamed Sept. 5, 2024, 1:21 p.m.

This ghazal is a beautiful example of Hafez's mystical poetry. The poet uses rich imagery and symbolism to convey a sense of divine love and unity.