Ghazal 88: I have heard a good saying that the old man of Canaan spoke

شنیده‌ام سخنی خوش که پیر کنعان گفت
«فراق یار، نه آن می‌کند که بتوان گفت»

حدیث هول قیامت که گفت واعظ شهر
کنایتی‌ست که از روزگار هجران گفت

نشان یار سفرکرده از که پرسم باز؟
که هر چه گفت برید صبا، پریشان گفت

فغان که آن مه نامهربان مهرگسل
به ترک صحبت یاران خود چه آسان گفت

من و مقام رضا بعد از این و شکر رقیب
که دل به درد تو خو کرد و ترک درمان گفت

غم کهن به می سال‌خورده دفع کنید
که تخم خوش‌دلی این است؛ پیر دهقان گفت

گره به باد مزن گر چه بر مراد رود
که این سخن به مثل، باد با سلیمان گفت

به مهلتی که سپهرت دهد ز راه مرو
تو را که گفت که این زال ترک دستان گفت؟

مزن ز چون و چرا دم که بندهٔ مقبل
قبول کرد به جان، هر سخن که جانان گفت

که گفت حافظ از اندیشهٔ تو آمد باز؟
من این نگفته‌ام آن کس که گفت بهتان گفت

I have heard a good saying that the old man of Canaan spoke:
separation from the friend does what cannot be told.

The tale of the terror of resurrection that the city preacher told
is a hint that he gave about the days of separation.

Whom shall I ask again for news of the friend who has travelled?
Whatever the courier breeze said, it said confusedly.

Alas that that unkind, love-breaking moon
so easily gave up the company of her friends.

From now on I and the station of contentment, and thanks to the rival,
for my heart has grown used to pain for you and given up the cure.

Drive off old grief with wine that is full of years,
for this is the seed of a glad heart; so the old farmer said.

Do not tie a knot on the wind, though it blows as you wish,
for this the wind said to Solomon as a proverb.

Do not leave the road for the respite the sky gives you;
who told you that this old crone has given up her tricks?

Do not talk of how and why, for the fortunate servant
accepted with his soul every word the beloved spoke.

Who said that Hafez has turned back from thinking of you?
I have not said so; whoever said it spoke slander.