A companion free of flaw

در این زمانه، رفیقی که خالی از خلل است

In this age the only companion free of flaw

صراحی می ناب و سفینه غزل است

is a flask of pure wine and a book of ghazals.

جریده رو که گذرگاه عافیت، تنگ است

Travel alone and light, for the pass of safety is narrow;

پیاله گیر که عمر عزیز، بی‌بدل است

take up the cup, for precious life has no substitute.

نه من ز بی‌عملی، در جهان، ملولم و بس

It is not only I who am weary of the world for doing nothing;

ملالت علما هم ز علم بی‌عمل است

the learned too are weary from knowledge without action.

به چشم عقل در این رهگذار پرآشوب

To the eye of reason, on this tumultuous road,

جهان و کار جهان، بی‌ثبات و بی‌محل است

the world and its affairs are unstable and of little worth.

بگیر طره مه‌چهره‌ای و قصه مخوان

Take hold of the curl of a moon-faced one, and do not tell the tale

که سعد و نحس ز تأثیر زهره و زحل است

that good and ill fortune come from the sway of Venus and Saturn.

دلم، امید فراوان به وصل روی تو داشت

My heart had great hope of union with your face,

ولی اجل به ره عمر، رهزن امل است

but on the road of life, death waylays hope.

به هیچ دور نخواهند یافت هشیارش

In no age will they find him sober,

چنین که «حافظ» ما، مست باده ازل است

for our Hafez is drunk with the wine of pre-eternity.