In all the taverns of the Magi, there's none so ecstatic as I, Ghazal 490 by Hafez

  1. Home
  2. Ghazals
  3. Ghazal Details

In all the taverns of the Magi, there's none so ecstatic as I, Ghazal 490 by Hafez

By hamed @hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi | 14 1

No lines yet

Description:

In this ghazāl, Hafez expresses deep longing for a beloved, while also delving into themes of spirituality, worldly desires, and the complexities of love. He uses vivid imagery and Sufi symbolism to convey his message.

Key Themes:

Love and longing: The poet expresses a deep and passionate longing for a beloved.
Spiritual journey: Hafez uses the imagery of wine and the tavern as symbols of spiritual intoxication and the quest for divine knowledge.
Worldly attachments: He critiques the superficiality of worldly pursuits and the importance of seeking deeper meaning.

English Translation for Ghazal

In all the taverns of the Magi, there's none so ecstatic as I
I've pawned my robe for wine and my book for a place


My heart, a mirror of kingship, is dusty
I seek from God the company of a clear-sighted one

I've made a vow to the hand of the wine-selling idol
That I'll drink no more wine without the sight of your adorned feast

If the narcissus boasts of its style compared to your eye, don't be upset
Those of discernment won't follow the blind

Only the candle can explain this story in words
Otherwise, the moth has no courage to speak

I've shut the streams of tears from my eyes to my lap, hoping
That they will seat a dark-eyed beauty beside me

Bring the ship of wine, for without the sight of my beloved
Every corner of my eye has become a sea of sorrow

Don't speak of anything else to me, a lover
For I have no concern for anyone but her and the cup of wine

How pleasant was this saying that the morning watchman said
At the tavern door, with a tambourine and a flute, fearlessly

If this is what being a Muslim is, then Hafez has it
Alas, if there were a tomorrow after today

متن غزل

در همه دیر مغان نیست چو من شیدایی

خرقه جایی گرو باده و دفتر جایی

 

دل که آیینه شاهی‌ست غباری دارد

از خدا می‌طلبم صحبت روشن‌رایی

 

کرده‌ام توبه به دست صنم باده‌فروش

که دگر می نخورم بی رخ بزم‌آرایی

 

نرگس ار لاف زد از شیوهٔ چشم تو مرنج

نروند اهل نظر از پی نابینایی

 

شرح این قصه مگر شمع برآرد به زبان

ور نه پروانه ندارد به سخن پروایی

 

جوی‌ها بسته‌ام از دیده به دامان که مگر

در کنارم بنشانند سهی‌بالایی

 

کشتی باده بیاور که مرا بی رخ دوست

گشت هر گوشهٔ چشم از غم دل دریایی

 

سخن غیر مگو با من معشوقه‌پرست

کز وی و جام می‌ام نیست به کس پروایی

 

این حدیثم چه خوش آمد که سحرگه می‌گفت

بر در میکده‌ای با دف و نی ترسایی

 

گر مسلمانی از این است که حافظ دارد

آه اگر از پی امروز بود فردایی

hamed
@hamed Oct. 12, 2024, 9:31 p.m.

Key Persian terms and nuances:

مغان: Magi, referring to Zoroastrian priests, often used metaphorically for spiritual guides
صنم: idol, often used metaphorically to refer to a beloved
سهی‌بالا: dark-eyed beauty
خضر: a mythical figure in Islamic tradition, often associated with guidance and immortality

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