O one whose face reveals the lights of kingship, Ghazal 489 by Hafez

By hamed @hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi | 8 1

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Description:

In this ghazāl, Hafez addresses a powerful and influential individual, possibly a ruler or a spiritual guide. He employs rich imagery and symbolism to convey his admiration and respect for this person while also expressing his own desires and concerns.

Key Themes:

Divine authority: The addressee is portrayed as possessing divine wisdom and power.
Spiritual journey: The poet seeks spiritual guidance and enlightenment from this powerful figure.
Humility and repentance: Hafez expresses his own shortcomings and seeks forgiveness.


English Translation for Ghazal

O one whose face reveals the lights of kingship
In whose mind a hundred divine wisdoms are hidden


Your pen, blessed be it, has opened the gates of the kingdom and religion
A hundred fountains of life-giving water flow from its ink

The lights of the Greatest Name do not shine upon the demon
The kingdom is yours, and you may command whatever you wish

Whoever doubts the wisdom of Solomon
The birds and fish will laugh at their intellect and knowledge

Even though you sometimes wear a simple cap
The birds of Qaf know the ways of kingship

The sword that the sky waters with its bounty
Alone conquers the world without begging for an army

Your pen writes beautifully about both friend and foe
A life-giving talisman, a spell against the ravages of time

O your essence is a creature of the alchemy of honor
And your fortune is safe from the disgrace of ruin

O cupbearer, bring some water from the tavern spring
So that we may wash our dervish robes of monastic pride

For a lifetime, O king, my cup has been empty of wine
Now hear the plea of this servant, and the testimony of the censor

If a ray from your sword falls on the mine
They will give the red ruby the color of straw

I know your heart will forgive the weakness of the night-sitters
If you ask about the state of your servant at daybreak

In a place where the lightning of rebellion struck Adam
How can we claim innocence?

Hafez, when he sometimes mentions your kingship
Don't be angry with my fate, come back in apology

متن غزل

ای در رخ تو پیدا انوار پادشاهی

در فکرت تو پنهان صد حکمت الهی

 

کلک تو بارک الله بر ملک و دین گشاده

صد چشمه آب حیوان از قطره سیاهی

 

بر اهرمن نتابد انوار اسم اعظم

ملک آن توست و خاتم فرمای هر چه خواهی

 

در حکمت سلیمان هر کس که شک نماید

بر عقل و دانش او خندند مرغ و ماهی

 

باز ار چه گاه گاهی بر سر نهد کلاهی

مرغان قاف دانند آیین پادشاهی

 

تیغی که آسمانش از فیض خود دهد آب

تنها جهان بگیرد بی منّت سپاهی

 

کلک تو خوش نویسد در شأن یار و اغیار

تعویذ جان‌فزایی افسون عمرکاهی

 

ای عنصر تو مخلوق از کیمیای عزّت

و ای دولت تو ایمن از وَصمت تباهی

 

ساقی بیار آبی از چشمه خرابات

تا خرقه‌ها بشوییم از عُجب خانقاهی

 

عمری‌ست پادشاها کز می تهی‌ست جامم

اینک زِ بنده دعوی، وَز محتسب گواهی

 

گَر پرتوی زِ تیغت، بر کان و معدن افتد

یاقوت سرخ‌رو را بخشند رنگ کاهی

 

دانم دلت ببخشد بر عجز شب‌نشینان

گر حال بنده پرسی از باد صبحگاهی

 

جایی که برق عصیان بر آدم صفی زد

ما را چگونه زیبد دعوی بی‌گناهی؟

 

حافظ چو پادشاهت گهگاه می‌برد نام

رنجش ز بخت منما بازآ به عذرخواهی


hamed
@hamed Oct. 12, 2024, 9:29 p.m.

Key Persian terms and nuances:

اسم اعظم: the Greatest Name of God
سلیمان: Solomon, a wise king in Islamic tradition
قاف: a mythical mountain in Persian mythology, often associated with the heavens
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.