From the Persian of Hafiz II
From the Persian of Hafiz II - meaning Summary
Celebration Over Asceticism
Emerson’s rendering of Hafiz champions joyous, embodied devotion over austere religiosity. The speaker rebukes strict renunciation and ritual fasting, arguing that love, wine, hospitality, and generosity are genuine spiritual acts. Earthly pleasures and sharing one’s last possessions are presented as pathways to divine favor. The poem reframes piety as trustful, celebratory life-affirmation rather than fear of hell, insisting heaven’s grace accompanies sincere, generous enjoyment.
Read Complete AnalysesOf Paradise, O hermit wise, Let us renounce the thought. Of old therein our names of sin Allah recorded not. Who dear to God on earthly sod No corn-grain plants, The same is glad that life is had, Though corn he wants. Thy mind the mosque and cool kiosk, Spare fast, and orisons; Mine me allows the drink-house, And sweet chase of the nuns. O just fakeer, with brow austere, Forbid me not the vine; On the first day, poor Hafiz clay Was kneaded up with wine. He is no dervise, Heaven slights his service, Who shall refuse There in the banquet, to pawn his blanket For Schiraz's juice. Who his friend's shirt, or hem of his shirt, Shall spare to pledge, To him Eden's bliss and Angel's kiss Shall want their edge. Up, Hafiz; grace from high God's face Beams on thee pure; Shy then not hell, and trust thou well, Heaven is secure.
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