Not every one who lights up a face knows how to be a lover, Ghazal 177 by Hafez Shirazi
Not every one who lights up a face knows how to be a lover, Ghazal 177 by Hafez Shirazi
By
@hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi
نه هر که چهره برافروخت دلبری داند
نه هر که آینه سازد سِکندری داند
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نه هر که طَرْفِ کُلَه کج نهاد و تُند نشست
کلاه‌داری و آیینِ سروری داند
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تو بندگی چو گدایان به شرطِ مزد مکن
که دوست خود روشِ بنده‌پروری داند
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غلامِ همّتِ آن رندِ عافیت‌سوزم
که در گداصفتی کیمیاگری داند
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وفا و عهد نکو باشد ار بیاموزی
وگرنه هر که تو بینی ستمگری داند
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بباختم دلِ دیوانه و ندانستم
که آدمی‌بچه‌ای، شیوهٔ پری داند
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هزار نکتهٔ باریک‌تر ز مو این‌جاست
نه هر که سر بتراشد قلندری داند
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مدارِ نقطهٔ بینش ز خالِ توست مرا
که قدرِ گوهرِ یک‌دانه جوهری داند
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به قَدّ و چهره هر آنکس که شاهِ خوبان شد
جهان بگیرد اگر دادگستری داند
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ز شعرِ دلکَشِ حافظ کسی بُوَد آگاه
که لطفِ طبع و سخن گفتنِ دَری داند
***
Description:
English Translation:
Not every one who lights up a face knows how to be a lover,
Not everyone who makes a mirror knows the ways of Alexander.
Not everyone who tilts their hat and sits haughtily
Knows the art of hat-wearing and the manner of a lord.
Do not serve like beggars, expecting a reward,
For a true friend knows the ways of serving his servants.
I am a slave to the ambition of that carefree rogue,
Who knows the alchemy of poverty.
Loyalty and a good covenant are good if you learn them,
Otherwise, everyone you see knows oppression.
I lost my mad heart and did not know
That a human child knows the ways of a fairy.
There are a thousand subtleties finer than hair in this,
Not everyone who shaves their head knows the way of a dervish.
My focus is on the mole between your eyes,
For it knows the value of a single pearl.
Everyone who becomes the king of beauties by their stature and face,
The world would obey if justice knew.
Only one who knows the grace of nature and the art of Persian speech
Will understand the charming poetry of Hafez.
Explanation of the Ghazal
In this ghazal, Hafez explores the complexities of human nature, love, and spirituality. He offers profound insights into the nature of true love, the hypocrisy of some, and the importance of genuine spirituality.
Key Themes:
True Love and Devotion: The poet emphasizes the importance of sincere love and devotion, as opposed to superficial displays.
Hypocrisy: Hafez criticizes those who pretend to be something they are not, such as lovers or spiritual seekers.
The Nature of Beauty: The poet suggests that true beauty is more than skin deep and lies in the inner qualities of a person.
Spiritual Wisdom: The ghazal hints at a deeper spiritual understanding, suggesting that true knowledge comes from within.
Key Persian terms and nuances:
سکندری: Referring to Alexander the Great, often used as a symbol of power and conquest.
رند: A free-spirited person, often associated with spiritual seekers.
کیمیاگری: Alchemy, the art of transforming base metals into gold, often used metaphorically for spiritual transformation.
دَری: Persian language
This ghazal is a beautiful example of Hafez's poetic mastery, combining deep philosophical insights with vivid imagery. The poet's use of metaphors and allusions creates a rich and layered meaning, inviting multiple interpretations.