In beauty, character, and loyalty, no one can compare to my beloved, Ghazal 156 by Hafez
In beauty, character, and loyalty, no one can compare to my beloved, Ghazal 156 by Hafez
By
@hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi
به حسن و خُلق و وفا کس به یارِ ما نرسد
تو را در این سخن انکارِ کارِ ما نرسد
***
اگر چه حُسن فروشان به جلوه آمده‌اند
کسی به حُسن و ملاحت به یارِ ما نرسد
***
به حق صحبت دیرین که هیچ محرمِ راز
به یارِ یک جهتِ حق گزارِ ما نرسد
***
هزار نقش برآید ز کِلکِ صُنع و یکی
به دلپذیری نقشِ نگارِ ما نرسد
***
هزار نقد به بازارِ کائنات آرند
یکی به سکهٔ صاحب عیارِ ما نرسد
***
دریغ قافله عمر کـ‌آن‌چُنان رفتند
که گَردشان به هوایِ دیارِ ما نرسد
***
دلا ز رنجِ حسودان مرنج و واثق باش
که بد به خاطرِ امیدوارِ ما نرسد
***
چنان بِزی که اگر خاکِ ره شوی کس را
غبارِ خاطری از رهگذارِ ما نرسد
***
بسوخت حافظ و ترسم که شرحِ قصه او
به سمعِ پادشهِ کامگارِ ما نرسد
***
Description:
English Translation:
In beauty, character, and loyalty, no one can compare to my beloved,
No one can deny this truth about my beloved.
Although beauty-sellers have come forth with their charms,
No one can compare to my beloved in beauty and grace.
By the right of our long acquaintance, no confidant of secrets
Can match the loyalty and devotion of my beloved.
A thousand designs emerge from the pen of creation, but not one
Can match the pleasing design of my beloved's portrait.
A thousand coins are brought to the market of existence,
But none can match the pure coin of my beloved.
Alas for the caravan of life, which has passed so quickly
That not even their dust reaches the air of our land.
Heart, do not be troubled by the envy of the envious and be confident,
For evil will not reach the hopeful among us.
Live in such a way that if you become the dust of the road, no one
Will have a speck of dust on their path from passing us.
Hafez burned, and I fear that the tale of his story
Will not reach the ears of our successful king.
Explanation of the Ghazal
In this ghazal, Hafez expresses deep love and admiration for his beloved. He emphasizes the unique qualities of his beloved and contrasts them with the imperfections of others.
Key Themes:
Unconditional Love: The poet's love is unwavering and he believes no one can compare to his beloved.
The Beloved's Superiority: Hafez extols the virtues of his beloved, suggesting that they are unparalleled in beauty, character, and loyalty.
Transience of Life: The poet reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the impermanence of worldly possessions.
Key Persian terms and nuances:
حسن: Beauty
خلق: Character
وفا: Loyalty
صُنع: Creation
This ghazal is a beautiful example of Hafez's poetic mastery, combining deep emotional expression with rich imagery. The poet's use of metaphors and similes creates a vivid and evocative picture of the human experience.