Though I have grown old

هر چند پیر و خسته‌دل و ناتوان شدم

Though I have grown old, heart-weary and weak,

هر گه که یاد روی تو کردم جوان شدم

whenever I remembered your face I became young.

شکر خدا که هر چه طلب کردم از خدا

Thanks be to God that whatever I asked of God,

بر منتهای همت خود کامران شدم

I attained it at the very height of my aspiration.

ای گلبن جوان! بر دولت بخور که من

O young rose-bush, enjoy your good fortune, for I

در سایه تو بلبل باغ جهان شدم

in your shade became the nightingale of the world's garden.

اول ز تحت و فوق وجودم خبر نبود

At first I knew nothing of what lies beneath and above existence;

در مکتب غم تو، چنین نکته‌دان شدم

in the school of grief for you I learned such subtle points.

قسمت حوالتم به خرابات می‌کند

Fate keeps directing me to the tavern,

هر چند کاینچنین شدم و آنچنان شدم

however much I became this or became that.

آن روز بر دلم در معنی گشوده شد

On that day the door of meaning opened on my heart

کز ساکنان درگه پیر مغان شدم

when I became one of those who dwell at the Magian elder's door.

در شاه‌راه دولت سرمد به تخت بخت

On the highway of eternal fortune, on the throne of luck,

با جام می به کام دل دوستان شدم

with a cup of wine I won my heart's desire among friends.

از آن زمان که فتنه چشمت به من رسید

Since the mischief of your eye has reached me,

ایمن ز شر فتنه آخرزمان شدم

I have been safe from the evil of the turmoil at the end of time.

من پیر سال و ماه نیم، یار بی‌وفاست

I am not old in years and months; my friend is faithless,

بر من چو عمر می‌گذرد پیر از آن شدم

and passes me by as life does; that is what made me old.

دوشم نوید داد عنایت که حافظا

Last night grace gave me good news: "Hafez,

بازآ که من به عفو گناهت ضمان شدم

come back, for I stand surety for the pardon of your sins."