|
Alternate versions of the first ghazal in
Hafiz's divan
|
|
1 Hearken Saqi!' Circulate the wine-flagon And pass it to me also; For love seemed easy at first, But difficulties came. How much blood boils in the hearts of lovers Awaiting the scent of the navel of the deer That the breeze of dawn will finally unleash From the forelock of the Friend And his musky curls!' How can I enjoy ease and comfort In the rest-house of the Beloved When the bell for saddling the camels Is sounding all the time?' Dye your prayer-carpet in wine If the Magian Teacher" command it: For the true traveller understands the path And the proper procedure at the inns.' The night is dark, the waves terrifying, The whirlpool devastating: What could light-loaded land-lubbers Know of my condition?' Every selfish act conspired in the end To wreck my reputation: 'That to discuss which people gather together in assemblies Cannot remain a hidden secret. 0 Hafiz, do not absent yourself from the Friend If you desire his presence: Remember the text 'When once you have met the Beloved Give up the earth and all things in it'. |
|
|
Translator: Alston, A. J. (1996). In search of Hafiz. London: Shanti Sadan.
|
|
|
|
|
