Hafez · Ghazal 449 · You who keep the lovers apart
ای که مهجوری عشاق روا می‌داریعاشقان را ز بر خویش جدا می‌داری
تشنه بادیه را هم به زلالی دریاببه امیدی که در این ره به خدا می‌داری
دل ببردی و بحل کردمت ای جان لیکنبه از این دار نگاهش که مرا می‌داری
ساغر ما که حریفان دگر می‌نوشندما تحمل نکنیم ار تو روا می‌داری
ای مگس حضرت سیمرغ نه جولانگه توستعرض خود می‌بری و زحمت ما می‌داری
تو به تقصیر خود افتادی از این در محروماز که می‌نالی و فریاد چرا می‌داری؟
حافظ از پادشهان پایه به خدمت طلبندسعی نابرده چه امید عطا می‌داری؟
Hafez is honest with himself here, and invites you to be honest too. If a door seems closed to you, ask kindly whether any part of it was your own doing, without blaming yourself harshly. Complaint changes little; steady effort and sincere service change a great deal. At the same time, do not be afraid to ask for what you need, as the thirsty traveller asks for water. Do your part faithfully, and you will have good reason to hope.
O you who think it right that lovers be kept apart,
you keep the lovers far from your side.
Reach the thirsty one in the desert with clear water,
for the sake of the hope you hold in God on this road.
You have taken my heart, and I forgive you, my soul, but
keep it better than you keep me.
Our cup, from which other companions are drinking:
we will not bear it, even if you allow it.
O fly, the court of the Simurgh is no place for your flight;
you only lose your honour and give us trouble.
It was by your own fault that you were shut out from this door;
whom are you blaming, and why are you crying out?
Hafez, people seek rank from kings by serving them;
without making any effort, what reward do you hope for?