Hafez · Ghazal 301 · The bond of salt
ای دل ریش مرا با لب تو حق نمکحق نگه دار که من می‌روم، الله معک
تویی آن گوهر پاکیزه که در عالم قدسذکر خیر تو بود حاصل تسبیح ملک
در خلوص منت ار هست شکی، تجربه کنکس عیار زر خالص نشناسد چو محک
گفته بودی که شوم مست و دو بوست بدهموعده از حد بشد و ما نه دو دیدیم و نه یک
بگشا پسته خندان و شکرریزی کنخلق را از دهن خویش مینداز به شک
چرخ برهم زنم ار غیر مرادم گرددمن نه آنم که زبونی کشم از چرخ فلک
چون بر حافظ خویشش نگذاری باریای رقیب از بر او یک دو قدم دورترک
Hafez reminds the beloved of an old bond, the bond of having shared salt, and asks that it be honoured even at parting: God be with you. If your question concerns a relationship, this ghazal asks for loyalty and offers it in return. Sincerity can be tested, like gold on a touchstone, and true gold has nothing to fear. If promises have been slow to be kept, say so plainly and kindly. Do not let the turning of fortune humble you; you can stand firm with dignity.
My wounded heart and your lips share the bond of salt;
keep faith with that bond, for I am leaving: God be with you.
You are that pure jewel whose good name, in the world of holiness,
is the fruit of the angels' glorifying.
If you doubt my sincerity, put it to the test:
no one knows the worth of pure gold like the touchstone.
You had said, "I will get drunk and give you two kisses";
the promise went beyond all bounds, and we saw neither two nor one.
Open that laughing pistachio and scatter sugar;
do not leave people in doubt about your mouth.
I will turn the sky upside down if it turns against my wish;
I am not one to suffer humiliation from the wheel of heaven.
Since you will not leave her even once beside her Hafez,
O rival, at least stand a step or two further from her.