Though wine brings joy and the breeze carries the scent of flowers: Ghazal 41 by Hafez
Though wine brings joy and the breeze carries the scent of flowers: Ghazal 41 by Hafez
By
@hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi
اگر چه باده فَرَح بخش و باد گُل‌بیز است
به بانگِ چَنگ مخور مِی که مُحتَسِب تیز است
***
صُراحی‌ای و حریفی گَرَت به چَنگ افتد
به عقل نوش که ایام فتنه انگیز است
***
در آستینِ مُرَقَع پیاله پنهان کن
که همچو چشمِ صُراحی زمانه خونریز است
***
به آبِ دیده بشوییم خِرقه‌ها از می
که موسمِ وَرَع و روزگارِ پرهیز است
***
مجوی عیشِ خوش از دورِ باژگونِ سِپِهر
که صاف این سر خُم جمله دُردی آمیز است
***
سپهرِ بر شده پرویزنی‌ست خون افشان
که ریزه‌اش سر کَسری و تاجِ پرویز است
***
عراق و فارس گرفتی به شعرِ خوش حافظ
بیا که نوبتِ بغداد و وقتِ تبریز است
***
Description:
English Translation:
Though wine brings joy and the breeze carries the scent of flowers,
Don't drink to the sound of the lute, for the morality police are sharp.
If a jug and a companion fall into your hands,
Drink with wisdom, for the times are full of strife.
Hide the goblet in a patched sleeve,
For like the eye of a jug, the time is bloodthirsty.
Let's wash our robes from wine with tears,
For it is the season of piety and the time of abstinence.
Don't seek a happy life from the overturned sky,
For the clear liquid in this jug is all mixed with pain.
The sky has become a blood-shedding lion,
Whose drops are the head of Khosrow and the crown of Parviz.
You captured Iraq and Persia with your beautiful poetry,
Come, it's time for Baghdad and the time for Tabriz.
Explanation of the Ghazal
In this ghazal, Hafez offers advice on living in a world full of uncertainty and danger. He uses the imagery of wine, the tavern, and political figures to convey his message.
Key Themes:
Caution and Wisdom: The poet advises caution and wisdom in a world full of dangers.
The Transience of Life: The poem reflects on the impermanence of life and the futility of worldly pursuits.
Political Commentary: Hafez alludes to historical events and political figures, offering subtle commentary on his time.
Key Persian terms and their nuances:
محتسب: Morality police
مُرَقَع: Patched
سِپِهر: Sky
پرویز: A Sassanian king
کسری: A reference to the Sassanian dynasty
عراق: Iraq
فارس: Persia
بغداد: Baghdad
تبریز: Tabriz
This ghazal is a beautiful example of Hafez's poetic mastery, combining deep philosophical thoughts with a keen observation of human nature. The poet's use of metaphors and allusions creates a rich tapestry of meaning.