No remedy can calm the fever burning in me;
where is the cure that could soothe this ache in my head?
I swear by all I possess, my king,
that love for you has melted me thin as a reed pen.
Explanation: The reed pen ('kelk') is a classic image of something worn thin and wasted, here standing for a body consumed by love.
Original
شمارهٔ ۱ - رباعی
صفرای مرا سود ندارد نلکا
درد سر من کجا نشاند علکا
سوگند خورم به هر چه دارم ملکا
کز عشق تو بگداخته ام چون کلکا
She dyes her fingers with the blood of my heart;
that hand of hers is a torment to everyone's body and soul.
If we cannot have both the red jujube and silver, so be it:
the jujube red upon her silvery ingot of skin is enough.
Explanation: The jujube ('anab') stands for the red of dyed fingertips or lips; the 'silver ingot' is the fair skin of the beloved.
Original
شمارهٔ ۲ - ابیاتی از یک قصیده
انگشت را ز خون دل من زند خضاب
کفی کزو بلای تن و جان هر کس است
عناب و سیم اگر نبودمان روا بود
عناب بر سبیکهٔ سیمین او بس است
When the fierce lion saw him draw his sword, its very courage melted into water inside its body.
Explanation: The Persian 'zahre ab shod' (the gallbladder turned to water) is an idiom for being struck with terror; here it conveys that even a raging lion was paralyzed with fear.
Original
شمارهٔ ۳
چون بر آهنجیدن تیغش بدید
در تن شیر ژیان شد زهره آب
The blossoms are like opening seams, and the clouds weave fine silk;
the moon and the sun are like money changers in the garden.
Explanation: The poet imagines spring's elements as craftsmen: clouds as weavers of silk, the moon and sun as money changers appraising the garden's wealth.
Original
شمارهٔ ۱۴
شکوفه همچو شکاف است و میغ دیباباف
مه و خور است همانا به باغ در صراف
It would be no great surprise, given my luck, if a fine lute turned into a crude stick in my hands.
Explanation: 'Oud' is a smooth, valuable lute, while 'khanjak' is a rough wooden stick; the contrast mocks the poet's bad fortune, which ruins anything good.
Original
شمارهٔ ۱۵
نباشد بس عجب از بختم ار عود
شود در دست من مانند خنجک
It's the festival again, when my playful sweetheart
puts on colorful clothes, ready to slay hearts.
Explanation: 'Killing' here is the classic Persian image of a beautiful beloved who slays admirers with their looks, dressed up brightly for the holiday.
Original
شمارهٔ ۱۶
عید شد دیگر که آن دلدار شنگ
بهر کشتن جامه ها پوشد زرنگ