The elder of Canaan said

شنیده‌ام سخنی خوش که پیر کنعان گفت

I have heard a sweet saying that the old man of Canaan said:

«فراق یار، نه آن می‌کند که بتوان گفت»

"Separation from the beloved does what cannot be told."

حدیث هول قیامت که گفت واعظ شهر

The tale of the terror of Judgement Day the city preacher told

کنایتی‌ست که از روزگار هجران گفت

is only a hint he gave of the days of separation.

نشان یار سفرکرده از که پرسم باز؟

Whom should I ask again for news of the beloved who has travelled?

که هر چه گفت برید صبا، پریشان گفت

For whatever the courier breeze said, it said in confusion.

فغان که آن مه نامهربان مهرگسل

Alas, how easily that unkind, bond-breaking moon

به ترک صحبت یاران خود چه آسان گفت

spoke of leaving the company of her friends!

من و مقام رضا بعد از این و شکر رقیب

From now on, for me, the station of contentment, and thanks to the rival,

که دل به درد تو خو کرد و ترک درمان گفت

for the heart has grown used to your pain and given up the cure.

غم کهن به می سال‌خورده دفع کنید

Drive off old grief with aged wine,

که تخم خوش‌دلی این است؛ پیر دهقان گفت

for this is the seed of a happy heart, said the old farmer.

گره به باد مزن گر چه بر مراد رود

Do not tie a knot in the wind, even if it blows as you wish,

که این سخن به مثل، باد با سلیمان گفت

for this is the proverb the wind told Solomon.

به مهلتی که سپهرت دهد ز راه مرو

Do not go astray for the respite the heavens give you:

تو را که گفت که این زال ترک دستان گفت؟

who told you this old crone has given up her tricks?

مزن ز چون و چرا دم که بنده مقبل

Do not breathe a word of "how" and "why", for the fortunate servant

قبول کرد به جان، هر سخن که جانان گفت

accepted with his soul every word the beloved said.

که گفت حافظ از اندیشه تو آمد باز؟

Who said that Hafez has turned from thoughts of you?

من این نگفته‌ام آن کس که گفت بهتان گفت

I never said it; whoever said it spoke a slander.