I have resolved to end this sorrow

بر سر آنم که گر ز دست برآید

I have resolved that, if it lies within my power,

دست به‌کاری زنم که غصه سرآید

I will set my hand to some work that brings this sorrow to an end.

خلوت دل نیست جای صحبت اضداد

The privacy of the heart is no place for the company of opposites;

دیو چو بیرون رود فرشته درآید

when the demon goes out, the angel comes in.

صحبت حکام ظلمت شب یلداست

The company of rulers is the darkness of the longest night;

نور ز خورشید جوی بو که برآید

seek light from the sun: perhaps it will rise.

بر در ارباب بی‌مروت دنیا

At the door of the world's ungenerous lords

چند نشینی که خواجه کی به درآید

how long will you sit, waiting for the master to come out?

ترک گدایی مکن که گنج بیابی

Do not give up begging, for you may find a treasure

از نظر رهروی که در گذر آید

in the glance of some traveller passing by.

صالح و طالح متاع خویش نمودند

The good and the wicked have each set out their wares;

تا که قبول افتد و که در نظر آید

let us see whose is accepted, and whose catches the eye.

بلبل عاشق تو عمر خواه که آخر

Lover nightingale, pray for long life, for at last

باغ شود سبز و شاخ گل به بر‌آید

the garden will turn green and the rose branch will bear fruit.

غفلت حافظ در این سراچه عجب نیست

Hafez's heedlessness in this little house is no wonder:

هر که به میخانه رفت بی‌خبر آید

whoever has gone to the tavern comes back unaware.