Two wise friends, and two mans of old wine, Ghazal 477 by Hafez

By hamed @hamed | poet: Hafez Shirazi | 17 1

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Description:

In this ghazāl, Hafez explores themes of contentment, the fleeting nature of life, and the power of divine providence. He uses vivid imagery and poetic devices to convey the intensity of his feelings.

Key Themes:

Contentment and simplicity: The poet extols the virtues of a simple life and contentment.
The impermanence of life: Hafez reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the vanity of worldly desires.
Divine providence: The poet expresses trust in divine providence and the idea that everything happens for a reason.


English Translation for Ghazal

Two wise friends, and two mans of old wine
Leisure, a book, and a corner of a meadow


I would not give this place up for the world or the afterlife
Even if a gathering of people were to pursue me every moment

Whoever exchanged the corner of contentment for the treasure of the world
Sold Joseph of Egypt for the lowest price

Come, let us not diminish the prosperity of this workshop
Whether you are as ascetic as you are or as sinful as I

From the violent winds of events, one cannot see
In this garden, whether there has been a flower or a hyacinth

See in the mirror of the cup the design of the unseen
That no one remembers such a strange world

From these poisons that have passed over the garden
It is strange that there is the scent of a flower and the color of a hyacinth

Be patient, O heart, for the Right will not abandon
Such a precious jewel to the hand of a demon

The temperament of the world has become feverish in this calamity, Hafez
Where is the thought of a wise man and the counsel of a Brahmin?

متن غزل

دو یار زیرک و از باده کهن دو منی

فراغتی و کتابی و گوشه چمنی

 

من این مقام به دنیا و آخرت ندهم

اگر چه در پِی‌ام افتند هر دم انجمنی

 

هر آن که کنج قناعت به گنج دنیا داد

فروخت یوسف مصری به کمترین ثمنی

 

بیا که رونق این کارخانه کم نشود

به زهد همچو تویی یا به فسق همچو منی

 

ز تندباد حوادث نمی‌توان دیدن

در این چمن که گلی بوده است یا سمنی

 

ببین در آینه جام نقش بندی غیب

که کس به یاد ندارد چنین عجب زمنی

 

از این سموم که بر طرف بوستان بگذشت

عجب که بوی گلی هست و رنگ نسترنی

 

به صبر کوش تو ای دل که حق رها نکند

چنین عزیز نگینی به دست اهرمنی

 

مِزاجِ دَهْرْ تَبَهْ شد در این بلا حافظ

کجاست فکر حکیمی و رای برهمنی


hamed
@hamed Oct. 12, 2024, 8:50 p.m.

Key Persian terms and nuances:

یوسف مصری: Joseph of Egypt, a biblical figure often used as a symbol of beauty and belovedness in Persian poetry
زهد: asceticism
فسق: sinfulness
اهرمنی: demonic

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.