By the life of the tavern's elder

به جان پیر خرابات و حق صحبت او

By the life of the elder of the tavern and the claim of his company,

که نیست در سر من جز هوای خدمت او

there is nothing in my head but the wish to serve him.

بهشت اگر چه نه جای گناهکاران است

Though paradise is no place for sinners,

بیار باده که مستظهرم به همت او

bring wine, for I lean upon his blessing.

چراغ صاعقه آن سحاب روشن باد

May the lightning-lamp of that cloud shine bright

که زد به خرمن ما آتش محبت او

that struck the fire of his love into our harvest.

بر آستانه میخانه گر سری بینی

If you see a head lying on the tavern's threshold,

مزن به پای که معلوم نیست نیت او

do not kick it, for no one knows its intention.

بیا که دوش به مستی سروش عالم غیب

Come, for last night, in my drunkenness, the angel of the unseen world

نوید داد که عام است فیض رحمت او

brought the good news that the bounty of His mercy is for all.

مکن به چشم حقارت نگاه در من مست

Do not look on drunken me with contempt,

که نیست معصیت و زهد بی مشیت او

for neither sin nor piety is without His will.

نمی‌کند دل من میل زهد و توبه ولی

My heart has no leaning towards piety and repentance, but

به نام خواجه بکوشیم و فر دولت او

let us strive in the name of the master and the glory of his fortune.

مدام خرقه حافظ به باده در گرو است

Hafez's cloak is always in pawn for wine;

مگر ز خاک خرابات بود فطرت او

perhaps his very nature was made from the dust of the tavern.