Pure wine and a charming wine-server are two snares of the path, Ghazal 201 by Hafez

By hamed @hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi | 5 4

شرابِ بی‌غَش و ساقیِّ خوش دو دامِ رهند

که زیرکانِ جهان از کمندشان نَرَهَند

***

من ار چه عاشقم و رند و مست و نامه سیاه

هزار شُکر که یارانِ شهر بی‌گنهند

***

جفا نه پیشهٔ درویشیَست و راهرُوی

بیار باده که این سالکان نَه مردِ رهند

***

مَبین حقیر، گدایانِ عشق را کاین قوم

شَهانِ بی کمر و خسروانِ بی کُلَهند

***

به هوش باش که هنگامِ بادِ اِستغنا

هزار خرمنِ طاعت به نیمْ جو ننهند

***

مَکُن که کوکبهٔ دلبری شکسته شود

چو بندگان بِگُریزند و چاکران بِجَهَند

***

غلامِ همَّتِ دُردی کشانِ یک رنگم

نه آن گروه که اَزْرَق لباس و دل سیَهَند

***

قدم مَنِه به خرابات جز به شرطِ ادب

که سالکانِ درش محرمانِ پادشهند

***

جنابِ عشق بلند است همّتی حافظ

که عاشقان، رهِ بی‌همّتان به خود ندهند

***


Description:

English Translation:

Pure wine and a charming wine-server are two snares of the path,
From which the wise of the world cannot escape.

Though I am a lover, a rogue, and drunk, with a black reputation,
A thousand thanks that the people of the city are innocent.

Cruelty is not the profession of the dervish and the wanderer,
Bring wine, for these travelers are not men of the path.

Do not despise the beggars of love, for these people
Are kings without a waist and emperors without a crown.

Be aware, for at the time of the wind of arrogance,
A thousand stacks of worship are not worth half a grain.

Do not cause the star of loveliness to be broken,
When the servants flee and the attendants jump.

I am the slave of the ambition of the steadfastly suffering,
Not those who wear blue robes but have black hearts.

Do not step into the tavern except with courtesy,
For the seekers of its door are the confidants of the king.

The rank of love is a lofty ambition, Hafez,
For lovers do not give themselves to a path without ambition.


English Translation for Ghazal

English translation for Ghazal.

متن غزل

Original poem in Persian

hamed
@hamed Sept. 6, 2024, 4:19 a.m.

Explanation of the Ghazal

In this ghazal, Hafez explores themes of love, spirituality, and social hypocrisy. He uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey his message.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 6, 2024, 4:19 a.m.

Key Themes:

The Allure of Love: The poet describes love as a powerful force that can ensnare even the wisest of people.
Hypocrisy: Hafez criticizes the hypocrisy of religious leaders and those who claim to be spiritual.
The Value of Love: The poet emphasizes the true value of love and the importance of sincerity in spiritual pursuits.

hamed
@hamed Sept. 6, 2024, 4:19 a.m.

Key Persian terms and nuances:

ساقی: Wine-server, often used as a metaphor for a beloved
درویش: Dervish, a wandering ascetic or Sufi
کُلَه: A type of hat, often associated with royalty

hamed
@hamed Sept. 6, 2024, 4:19 a.m.

This ghazal is a powerful critique of hypocrisy and a celebration of the transformative power of love. Hafez uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey his message.