Ghazals of Hafez

Fereshteh’s translations of the first 300 ghazals of Hafez from the Farsi Qodsi edition brings Hafez to the western reader in a fluid, accessible and beautiful way that some say is one of the best translations of Hafez in English that has been accomplished so far.

The explanations in footnotes, and the images in the book bring the reader closer to the deep mysteries in these powerful and timeless spiritual poems.

A second volume of the remaining 300 ghazals to follow.

Ghazal 12

O breeze, kindly tell that beautiful Gazelle,
“It is You who made us take to the mountains and deserts.”

Why doesn’t the Sugar Merchant[1], may He be blessed with a long life,
Pacify this sugar-loving parrot[2] with a bit of sweetness?

O Rose[3], didn’t your pride of character permit you,
To inquire about the state of the lovelorn nightingale?

The all-knowing Beloved can only be caught with purity of character,
You can never capture the wise bird with trap and grain.

When you sit with the Friend, and drink the wine of Love,
Remember those who are wasting time in fruitless idleness.

I don’t know why there is no trace of recognition,
In these dark-eyed, graceful, moon-faced beauties.

I cannot find fault in your beautiful face,
Save the lack of a sign of love and faithfulness.

It shouldn’t be surprising that inspired by Hafez’s words,
Venus’s ‘sama’[4] makes the Christ break into dance in the heavens.

[1] The Master.
[2] Hafez.
[3] Master.
[4] Song or whirling in ecstasy.

Published 2025