You have not written for some days

حسب حالی ننوشتی و شد ایامی چند

You have written no word of how you are, and some days have passed;

محرمی کو که فرستم به تو پیغامی چند؟

where is a confidant, that I may send you a few messages?

ما بدان مقصد عالی نتوانیم رسید

We cannot reach that lofty goal

هم مگر پیش نهد لطف شما گامی چند

unless your kindness comes forward a few steps.

چون می از خم به سبو رفت و گل افکند نقاب

Now that the wine has gone from the jar to the jug and the rose has cast off her veil,

فرصت عیش نگه دار و بزن جامی چند

keep hold of the chance for joy and drink a few cups.

قند آمیخته با گل نه علاج دل ماست

Sugar mixed with roses is no cure for our heart;

بوسه‌ای چند برآمیز به دشنامی چند

mix a few kisses with a few harsh words.

زاهد از کوچه رندان به سلامت بگذر

Ascetic, pass safely through the lane of the rends,

تا خرابت نکند صحبت بدنامی چند

lest the company of a few of ill repute should ruin you.

عیب می جمله چو گفتی، هنرش نیز بگو

Since you have told all the faults of wine, tell its virtues too;

نفی حکمت مکن از بهر دل عامی چند

do not deny wisdom to please a few common people.

ای گدایان خرابات خدا یار شماست

O beggars of the tavern, God is your friend;

چشم انعام مدارید ز انعامی چند

do not look for gifts from a few who are like cattle.

پیر میخانه چه خوش گفت به دردی‌کش خویش

How well the elder of the tavern said to his drinker of dregs:

که مگو حال دل سوخته با خامی چند

"Do not tell the state of a burned heart to the raw."

حافظ از شوق رخ مهر‌فروغ تو بسوخت

Hafez has burned with longing for your sun-bright face;

کامگارا نظری کن سوی ناکامی چند

O fortunate one, cast a glance towards the unfortunate.