Hafez · Ghazal 293 · At dawn, the candle of the east
بامدادان که ز خلوتگه کاخ ابداعشمع خاور فکند بر همه اطراف شعاع
برکشد آینه از جیب افق چرخ و در آنبنماید رخ گیتی به هزاران انواع
در زوایای طربخانه جمشید فلکارغنون ساز کند زهره به آهنگ سماع
چنگ در غلغله آید که کجا شد منکر؟جام در قهقهه آید که کجا شد مناع؟
وضع دوران بنگر ساغر عشرت بر گیرکه به هر حالتی این است بهین اوضاع
طره شاهد دنیی همه بند است و فریبعارفان بر سر این رشته نجویند نزاع
عمر خسرو طلب ار نفع جهان می‌خواهیکه وجودیست عطابخش کریم نفاع
مظهر لطف ازل، روشنی چشم املجامع علم و عمل جان جهان، شاه شجاع
This ghazal opens with sunrise: the candle of the east throws its light everywhere, and the sky holds up a mirror in which the world shows a thousand faces. Each dawn is a fresh beginning, and the harp and the cup laugh at those who forbid joy. For your question, Hafez counsels a light heart: whatever the times, gladness is the best state in which to meet them. Do not quarrel over the snares and tangles of worldly things; the wise let that thread go. Look for the generous light that is already rising.
At dawn, when from the private chamber of the palace of creation
the candle of the east casts its rays on every side,
the sky draws a mirror from the pocket of the horizon, and in it
shows the face of the world in a thousand forms;
in the corners of the pleasure-house of Jamshid of the heavens
Venus tunes her organ to the melody of sama;
the harp breaks into clamour: "Where has the denier gone?"
the cup breaks into laughter: "Where has the forbidder gone?"
Look at the way of the times, and take up the cup of pleasure,
for in every condition this is the best of conditions.
The tresses of the world's beauty are all snares and deceit;
the wise do not quarrel over the end of this thread.
Pray for the King's long life, if you want the good of the world,
for he is a being who gives gifts, generous and bountiful:
the mirror of eternal grace, the light of the eye of hope,
joining knowledge and deed, the soul of the world, Shah Shoja.