Analysis of the Ghazal

This ghazal, like many of Hafez's works, delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships. Let's break down the key themes:

Betrayal of Friends: The first two lines express the poet's disillusionment with friends who have betrayed his trust. This is a common theme in Hafez's poetry.
The Fickleness of Love: The image of the "pure-faced one" being "fickle" suggests that even those who appear virtuous can be deceitful.
The Paradox of Conception: The third and fourth lines present a paradox: how can someone conceive without having intercourse? This seemingly illogical statement is a metaphor for a deeper truth.

Interpretation

This ghazal can be interpreted on multiple levels:

A Personal Lament: On a personal level, the poet is expressing his pain and disappointment at the betrayal of loved ones.
A Social Commentary: More broadly, the ghazal can be seen as a commentary on the corrupting influence of society and the difficulty of finding true friendship.
A Mystical Allegory: In a mystical interpretation, the "friend" could represent the divine, and the betrayal could symbolize the challenges of the spiritual journey.

The final two lines, about conception, could be interpreted in several ways:

A Metaphor for Spiritual Birth: The "conception" could symbolize a spiritual rebirth or enlightenment, suggesting that true understanding can come from unexpected sources or in mysterious ways.
A Social Critique: It could also be a satirical commentary on societal norms or gossip, questioning how something can come into existence without a clear cause.

Overall, this ghazal is a rich and complex exploration of themes of love, betrayal, and the mysteries of life. Hafez uses vivid imagery and paradoxical statements to convey his deep emotions and philosophical insights.