Hafez · Ghazal 218 · Whoever was granted fortune in eternity
در ازل هر کو به فیض دولت ارزانی بودتا ابد جام مرادش همدم جانی بود
من همان ساعت که از می خواستم شد توبه کارگفتم این شاخ ار دهد باری، پشیمانی بود
خود گرفتم کافکنم سجاده چون سوسن به دوشهمچو گل بر خرقه رنگ می مسلمانی بود؟
بی چراغ جام در خلوت نمی‌یارم نشستزان که کنج اهل دل باید که نورانی بود
همت عالی طلب جام مرصع گو مباشرند را آب عنب یاقوت رمانی بود
گرچه بی‌سامان نماید کار ما، سهلش مبینکاندر این کشور گدایی، رشک سلطانی بود
نیک نامی خواهی ای دل با بدان صحبت مدارخودپسندی جان من برهان نادانی بود
مجلس انس و بهار و بحث شعر اندر میاننستدن جام می از جانان گران جانی بود
دی عزیزی گفت حافظ می‌خورد پنهان شرابای عزیز من! نه عیب آن به که پنهانی بود؟
This ghazal reassures you that what is truly meant for you was given long ago and cannot be taken away. Your situation may look untidy from the outside, but Hafez says not to judge it by appearances: here a simple life is the envy of kings, and plain grape-water shines like a ruby. Aim high in spirit rather than in possessions. Keep your inner corner lit, choose your company with care, and avoid the trap of thinking too well of yourself. When friends, spring and good conversation come together, accept the gift with a light heart.
Whoever, in the beginning without beginning, was granted the grace of fortune,
to the end without end the cup of his desire will be his soul's companion.
In the very hour I wished to repent of wine, I said:
"If this branch bears any fruit, the fruit will be regret."
Suppose I throw the prayer-mat over my shoulder like the lily:
is the stain of wine on my cloak, like the rose, the conduct of a Muslim?
Without the lamp of the cup I do not dare to sit in solitude,
for the corner of the people of heart must be full of light.
Aim high; say the jewelled cup may go;
to the rend, the water of the grape is a pomegranate ruby.
Though our affairs look in disarray, do not take them lightly,
for in this country beggary is the envy of kingship.
If you want a good name, O heart, do not keep company with the bad;
self-regard, my dear, is the proof of ignorance.
A gathering of friends, the spring, and talk of poetry among us:
to refuse the cup of wine from the beloved would be dullness of soul.
Yesterday a dear one said, "Hafez drinks his wine in secret."
My dear, is a fault not better kept hidden?