The nightingale's only thought

فکر بلبل همه آن است که گل شد یارش

The nightingale's only thought is that the rose has become his friend;

گل در اندیشه که چون عشوه کند در کارش

the rose is thinking how she will play coy with him.

دلربایی همه آن نیست که عاشق بکشند

Stealing hearts is not all about killing lovers;

خواجه آن است که باشد غم خدمتکارش

the true master is one who cares about his servant's sorrow.

جای آن است که خون موج زند در دل لعل

It is right that blood should surge in the heart of the ruby

زین تغابن که خزف می‌شکند بازارش

at the injustice of broken pottery spoiling its market.

بلبل از فیض گل آموخت سخن، ور نه نبود

The nightingale learned speech from the bounty of the rose; otherwise

این همه قول و غزل تعبیه در منقارش

all these songs and ghazals would not have been set in its beak.

ای که در کوچه معشوقه ما می‌گذری

O you who pass through the lane of our beloved,

بر حذر باش، که سر می‌شکند دیوارش

be on your guard, for its wall breaks heads.

آن سفرکرده که صد قافله دل همره اوست

That traveller with whom a hundred caravans of hearts have gone:

هر کجا هست خدایا به سلامت دارش

wherever he is, O God, keep him safe.

صحبت عافیتت گرچه خوش افتاد ای دل

Though the company of safety has suited you well, O heart,

جانب عشق عزیز است، فرومگذارش

the side of love is precious: do not abandon it.

صوفی سرخوش از این دست که کج کرد کلاه

The tipsy Sufi who has tilted his cap like this:

به دو جام دگر آشفته شود دستارش

with two more cups his turban will come undone.

دل حافظ که به دیدار تو خوگر شده بود

The heart of Hafez, which had grown used to seeing you,

نازپرورد وصال است، مجو آزارش

was raised on the delights of union: do not seek to hurt it.