Hafez · Ghazal 245 · O parrot who speaks secrets
الا ای طوطی گویا‌ی اسرار!مبادا خالیت شکر ز منقار
سرت سبز و دلت خوش باد، جاویدکه خوش نقشی نمودی از خط یار
سخن سربسته گفتی با حریفانخدا را زین معما پرده بردار
به روی ما زن از ساغر گلابیکه خواب‌آلوده‌ایم، ای بخت بیدار!
چه ره بود این که زد در پرده مطرب؟که می‌رقصند با هم مست و هشیار
از آن افیون که ساقی در می افکندحریفان را نه سر ماند، نه دستار
سکندر را نمی‌بخشند آبیبه زور و زر میسر نیست این کار
بیا و حال اهل درد بشنوبه لفظ اندک و معنی بسیار
بت چینی عدوی دین و دل‌هاستخداوندا دل و دینم نگه دار
به مستور‌ان مگو اسرار مستیحدیث جان مگو با نقش دیوار
به یمن دولت منصور شاهیعلم شد حافظ اندر نظم اشعار
خداوندی به جای بندگان کردخداوندا ز آفاتش نگه دار
This ghazal speaks of a grace that cannot be bought. Alexander, with all his power and gold, was not granted the water of life; what matters most comes as a gift. If you have been trying to force an outcome, Hafez invites you to wake gently, as if splashed with rosewater, and listen for the music that sets everyone dancing together. Speak your heart only to those who can understand it, and do not waste words on painted walls. Say much in few words, guard your heart, and trust that grace finds those who are ready.
O parrot who speaks of secrets,
may your beak never be empty of sugar!
May your head stay green and your heart glad for ever,
for you drew a lovely picture of the beloved's down.
You spoke to the companions in sealed words;
for God's sake, lift the veil from this riddle.
Splash a little rosewater from the cup on our faces,
for we are drowsy, O wakeful fortune!
What tune was this the minstrel struck in his melody,
that the drunk and the sober are dancing together?
From that opium the saqi dropped into the wine,
the companions are left with neither head nor turban.
They do not grant Alexander a drink of that water;
this is not won by force or by gold.
Come and hear the state of those who suffer,
in few words, with much meaning.
The Chinese idol is the enemy of faith and hearts;
O Lord, keep my heart and my faith safe.
Do not tell the secrets of drunkenness to the sober and veiled;
do not speak of the soul to a picture on a wall.
By the blessing of the fortune of Mansur Shah,
Hafez has become renowned for composing verse.
He has acted as a lord should to his servants;
O Lord, keep him safe from every harm.