Hafez · Ghazal 418 · If swords rain down
گر تیغ بارد در کوی آن ماهگردن نهادیم الحکم لله
آیین تقوا ما نیز دانیملیکن چه چاره با بخت گمراه؟
ما شیخ و واعظ کمتر شناسیمیا جام باده یا قصه کوتاه
من رند و عاشق در موسم گلآن گاه توبه؟ استغفرالله
مهر تو عکسی بر ما نیفکندآیینه‌رویا! آه از دلت آه
الصبر مر و العمر فانیا لیت شعري حتام ألقاه
حافظ چه نالی گر وصل خواهی؟خون بایدت خورد در گاه و بی‌گاه
You have given your heart to something with full commitment, accepting whatever comes on the way. Hafez admits that patience is bitter and that life does not wait, and he does not pretend otherwise. Yet his last word is calm: whoever seeks union must accept some hardship, at the right time and the wrong time alike. Do not waste your strength in complaint. Keep the season of roses in view, accept what is beyond your control, and stay faithful to what you have chosen.
If swords rain down in that moon's street,
we have bowed our necks: the judgement is God's.
We too know the rules of piety,
but what can be done with a fortune gone astray?
We hardly know the sheikh or the preacher:
either the cup of wine, or keep the story short.
I, a rend and a lover, in the season of roses,
repent then? God forgive me!
Your love has cast no reflection on us;
O mirror-faced one, alas for your heart, alas!
Patience is bitter, and life is passing;
if only I knew how long until I meet her.
Hafez, why complain, if you want union?
You must drink blood, in season and out of season.