Hafez · Ghazal 284 · A voice from the tavern
هاتفی از گوشه میخانه دوشگفت ببخشند گنه، می بنوش
لطف الهی بکند کار خویشمژده رحمت برساند سروش
این خرد خام به میخانه برتا می لعل آوردش خون به جوش
گرچه وصالش نه به کوشش دهندهر قدر ای دل که توانی بکوش
لطف خدا بیشتر از جرم ماستنکته سربسته چه دانی؟ خموش
گوش من و حلقه گیسوی یارروی من و خاک در می فروش
رندی حافظ نه گناهیست صعببا کرم پادشه عیب پوش
داور دین، شاه شجاع، آن که کردروح قدس حلقه امرش به گوش
ای ملک العرش مرادش بدهو از خطر چشم بدش دار گوش
Here is a reading of mercy. A voice from the corner of the tavern says that faults will be forgiven and that grace will do its work. If you have been weighed down by a mistake, let this comfort you: kindness is greater than our errors. Hafez adds a balanced counsel: what you most long for may not come simply because you strive for it, yet strive as much as you can all the same. Do your part, then be quiet and trust. Not every sealed secret needs to be opened now.
Last night a voice from a corner of the tavern
said: "Sins will be forgiven; drink your wine."
Divine grace will do its work;
the angel will bring the good news of mercy.
Take this raw reason to the tavern,
so that ruby wine may set its blood boiling.
Though union with Him is not granted for striving,
strive, O heart, as much as you can.
God's kindness is greater than our sin;
what do you know of a sealed secret? Be silent.
My ear, and the ring of the beloved's tresses;
my face, and the dust of the wine-seller's door.
The rendi of Hafez is no heavy sin
beside the generosity of a king who covers faults.
The judge of the faith, Shah Shoja, the one who made
the Holy Spirit wear the ring of his command in its ear.
O King of the Throne, grant him his wish,
and keep him from the danger of the evil eye.