You never remember me, not even by mistake or accident.

While I, in your memory, have completely forgotten everything else in the world.

This couplet presents a stark contrast between the total indifference of the beloved and the absolute absorption of the lover. The poet complains that while the beloved cannot bring themselves to think of him even accidentally, he has sacrificed his awareness of the entire world just to remain immersed in thoughts of her. It highlights the pain of one-sided devotion.

You never remember me, not even by mistake or accident.

While I, in your memory, have completely forgotten everything else in the world.

This couplet presents a stark contrast between the total indifference of the beloved and the absolute absorption of the lover. The poet complains that while the beloved cannot bring themselves to think of him even accidentally, he has sacrificed his awareness of the entire world just to remain immersed in thoughts of her. It highlights the pain of one-sided devotion.

Overwhelmed by anxiety and suffering, I now declare that I will simply die to escape this pain.

But if I do not find peace even after death, where else will I have left to go?

The poet expresses a state of extreme distress where life has become unbearable, making death appear as the only solution for relief. However, a terrifying realization strikes him: if the soul's torment is eternal and continues in the afterlife, there is truly no refuge left in the entire universe. It highlights the inescapable nature of the lover's suffering.

Overwhelmed by anxiety and suffering, I now declare that I will simply die to escape this pain.

But if I do not find peace even after death, where else will I have left to go?

The poet expresses a state of extreme distress where life has become unbearable, making death appear as the only solution for relief. However, a terrifying realization strikes him: if the soul's torment is eternal and continues in the afterlife, there is truly no refuge left in the entire universe. It highlights the inescapable nature of the lover's suffering.

Whoever is afflicted by the sickness of love retains no other memory.

They recall neither the medicine to cure them nor the prayer to save them.

Zauq depicts love as an all-consuming malady that erases the lover's connection to the ordinary world. The absorption in the beloved is so intense that the sufferer forgets both material remedies (medicine) and spiritual pleas (prayer), indicating a state of total surrender and self-forgetfulness.

Whoever is afflicted by the sickness of love retains no other memory.

They recall neither the medicine to cure them nor the prayer to save them.

Zauq depicts love as an all-consuming malady that erases the lover's connection to the ordinary world. The absorption in the beloved is so intense that the sufferer forgets both material remedies (medicine) and spiritual pleas (prayer), indicating a state of total surrender and self-forgetfulness.

O pious ascetic, why have I become an infidel merely by drinking wine?

Is my faith so weak that it was washed away in just a handful of liquid?

The poet challenges the rigid religious ascetic (Zahid) who judges faith based solely on rituals and prohibitions. Zauq uses sarcasm to ask how deep spiritual belief (Imaan) can be so fragile that a trivial amount of wine—metaphorically described as a mere 'handful of water'—could destroy it completely.

O pious ascetic, why have I become an infidel merely by drinking wine?

Is my faith so weak that it was washed away in just a handful of liquid?

The poet challenges the rigid religious ascetic (Zahid) who judges faith based solely on rituals and prohibitions. Zauq uses sarcasm to ask how deep spiritual belief (Imaan) can be so fragile that a trivial amount of wine—metaphorically described as a mere 'handful of water'—could destroy it completely.

Oh Zauq, adhering to strict formalities causes nothing but utter distress.

The person who lives without pretense remains in a state of comfort and peace.

The poet argues that social etiquette and formal behavior ('takalluf'), often adopted to please others, actually impose a heavy burden of suffering on the individual. True peace of mind is found only in simplicity, where one is free from the exhausting obligations of artificial manners and societal expectations.

Oh Zauq, adhering to strict formalities causes nothing but utter distress.

The person who lives without pretense remains in a state of comfort and peace.

The poet argues that social etiquette and formal behavior ('takalluf'), often adopted to please others, actually impose a heavy burden of suffering on the individual. True peace of mind is found only in simplicity, where one is free from the exhausting obligations of artificial manners and societal expectations.

Oh Zauq, be careful and do not let the 'daughter of the vine' (wine) touch your lips.

Once this cruel temptress gets attached to the mouth, it becomes impossible to let go.

The poet personifies wine as 'Dukhtar-e-raz' (daughter of the grape) and warns against tasting it. By calling it 'Kafir' (infidel or cruel one), he suggests that wine is an enchanting but dangerous mistress. The core theme is the difficulty of breaking an addiction; once one indulges, the habit refuses to leave.

Oh Zauq, be careful and do not let the 'daughter of the vine' (wine) touch your lips.

Once this cruel temptress gets attached to the mouth, it becomes impossible to let go.

The poet personifies wine as 'Dukhtar-e-raz' (daughter of the grape) and warns against tasting it. By calling it 'Kafir' (infidel or cruel one), he suggests that wine is an enchanting but dangerous mistress. The core theme is the difficulty of breaking an addiction; once one indulges, the habit refuses to leave.

Although in these times, poetry is highly valued and patronized in the Deccan.

But O Zauq, who has the heart to go there leaving the streets of Delhi behind?

The poet acknowledges that the Deccan region (South India) currently offers better patronage and respect for poets than the declining Delhi. However, he rhetorically asks who could possibly bear to leave Delhi, prioritizing his deep emotional connection to the city's culture and streets over financial gain or fame elsewhere.

Although in these times, poetry is highly valued and patronized in the Deccan.

But O Zauq, who has the heart to go there leaving the streets of Delhi behind?

The poet acknowledges that the Deccan region (South India) currently offers better patronage and respect for poets than the declining Delhi. However, he rhetorically asks who could possibly bear to leave Delhi, prioritizing his deep emotional connection to the city's culture and streets over financial gain or fame elsewhere.

O Zauq, the clerics who have been spoiled by the rigid atmosphere of the religious school.

Bring them into the tavern; there, they will be reformed and set right.

This verse is a witty satire on religious dogmatism. The poet suggests that the formal seminary (Madrasa) breeds arrogance and rigidity in clerics, whereas the tavern (a metaphor for the path of love and selflessness) cures the ego. It inverts conventional morality, claiming that 'sinful' places can teach humility better than places of worship.

O Zauq, the clerics who have been spoiled by the rigid atmosphere of the religious school.

Bring them into the tavern; there, they will be reformed and set right.

This verse is a witty satire on religious dogmatism. The poet suggests that the formal seminary (Madrasa) breeds arrogance and rigidity in clerics, whereas the tavern (a metaphor for the path of love and selflessness) cures the ego. It inverts conventional morality, claiming that 'sinful' places can teach humility better than places of worship.

A single tear caused my drowning (ruin) within their gathering.

With just a drop of water, all my honor turned into water (was washed away).

The poet laments that a momentary lapse in emotional control, manifested as a single tear, destroyed his dignity in the beloved's assembly. He uses a clever play on the word 'water,' contrasting the physical teardrop with the metaphorical liquefying of his honor, implying that this small sign of weakness completely washed away his social standing.

A single tear caused my drowning (ruin) within their gathering.

With just a drop of water, all my honor turned into water (was washed away).

The poet laments that a momentary lapse in emotional control, manifested as a single tear, destroyed his dignity in the beloved's assembly. He uses a clever play on the word 'water,' contrasting the physical teardrop with the metaphorical liquefying of his honor, implying that this small sign of weakness completely washed away his social standing.

Whatever the world declares to be right, you must also consider it right.

Regard the voice of the people as the proclamation (drum) of God.

This couplet highlights the sanctity and weight of public consensus. It draws upon the concept that when a large number of people agree on something, it carries a divine validation, akin to the maxim 'Vox populi, vox Dei' (The voice of the people is the voice of God). Therefore, one should respect collective judgment as a reflection of truth.

Whatever the world declares to be right, you must also consider it right.

Regard the voice of the people as the proclamation (drum) of God.

This couplet highlights the sanctity and weight of public consensus. It draws upon the concept that when a large number of people agree on something, it carries a divine validation, akin to the maxim 'Vox populi, vox Dei' (The voice of the people is the voice of God). Therefore, one should respect collective judgment as a reflection of truth.

If we had known beforehand what the ultimate result of love would be.

We would never have uttered the word 'love', even by mistake.

The poet expresses deep remorse over falling in love, emphasizing the pain and tragedy that awaits at the end of the journey. He suggests that love is so destructive that had he foreseen the outcome, he would have avoided even the slightest association with it.

If we had known beforehand what the ultimate result of love would be.

We would never have uttered the word 'love', even by mistake.

The poet expresses deep remorse over falling in love, emphasizing the pain and tragedy that awaits at the end of the journey. He suggests that love is so destructive that had he foreseen the outcome, he would have avoided even the slightest association with it.

If I were to truly start weeping, I would cause an entire river to flow.

I do not know how to cry silently or lightly like the dew.

This couplet is a classic example of poetic exaggeration (hyperbole) used to express the immense depth of the poet's sorrow. He contrasts his overwhelming grief with the delicate, insignificant nature of dew drops, asserting that his pain demands a flood-like release rather than silent, suppressed tears.

If I were to truly start weeping, I would cause an entire river to flow.

I do not know how to cry silently or lightly like the dew.

This couplet is a classic example of poetic exaggeration (hyperbole) used to express the immense depth of the poet's sorrow. He contrasts his overwhelming grief with the delicate, insignificant nature of dew drops, asserting that his pain demands a flood-like release rather than silent, suppressed tears.

Life brought us here so we came; when Death took us away, we departed.

We did not arrive by our own choice, nor are we leaving by our own will.

This couplet captures the philosophical essence of human helplessness regarding existence. It highlights that the two most significant events—birth and death—are entirely out of human control. Man is portrayed as a traveler who follows the dictates of fate without any personal agency in the beginning or the end of his journey.

Life brought us here so we came; when Death took us away, we departed.

We did not arrive by our own choice, nor are we leaving by our own will.

This couplet captures the philosophical essence of human helplessness regarding existence. It highlights that the two most significant events—birth and death—are entirely out of human control. Man is portrayed as a traveler who follows the dictates of fate without any personal agency in the beginning or the end of his journey.

Countless people lived their lives as paupers, while countless others became wealthy.

However, once they died and mingled with the dust, both became equal.

This couplet highlights the transient nature of worldly status and wealth. Zauq reminds the reader that while society divides people into rich and poor, death serves as the ultimate equalizer. In the end, everyone returns to the same earth, rendering all social hierarchies meaningless.

Countless people lived their lives as paupers, while countless others became wealthy.

However, once they died and mingled with the dust, both became equal.

This couplet highlights the transient nature of worldly status and wealth. Zauq reminds the reader that while society divides people into rich and poor, death serves as the ultimate equalizer. In the end, everyone returns to the same earth, rendering all social hierarchies meaningless.

The flowers bloomed for a short time and displayed their soul-refreshing spring.

My sorrow is actually for those buds that withered away without ever opening.

Zauq compares the fleeting nature of life with total unfulfillment. While he acknowledges that even successful lives (flowers) are short, his true grief is reserved for those (buds) who died young or failed to realize their potential. It highlights the tragedy of talent or life cut short before it could blossom.

The flowers bloomed for a short time and displayed their soul-refreshing spring.

My sorrow is actually for those buds that withered away without ever opening.

Zauq compares the fleeting nature of life with total unfulfillment. While he acknowledges that even successful lives (flowers) are short, his true grief is reserved for those (buds) who died young or failed to realize their potential. It highlights the tragedy of talent or life cut short before it could blossom.

True humanity is a distinct quality, whereas knowledge is something else entirely.

No matter how much you teach a parrot, it remains an animal at its core.

Zauq distinguishes between accumulating information (knowledge) and possessing moral character (humanity). He uses the metaphor of a parrot, which can mimic human speech through training but lacks human consciousness or ethics. The verse suggests that education alone cannot transform a person's basic nature if true humanity is missing.

True humanity is a distinct quality, whereas knowledge is something else entirely.

No matter how much you teach a parrot, it remains an animal at its core.

Zauq distinguishes between accumulating information (knowledge) and possessing moral character (humanity). He uses the metaphor of a parrot, which can mimic human speech through training but lacks human consciousness or ethics. The verse suggests that education alone cannot transform a person's basic nature if true humanity is missing.

Ideally, it is best that one does not become emotionally attached to this world.

But what is one to do, when the business of life simply does not proceed without some form of attachment?

This couplet highlights the eternal conflict between spiritual wisdom and human necessity. While the poet acknowledges that detachment from the transient world is the wiser path to avoid suffering, he admits that human life stagnates without interest or connection. It captures the helplessness of the human condition, where one is forced to engage with the world just to survive.

Ideally, it is best that one does not become emotionally attached to this world.

But what is one to do, when the business of life simply does not proceed without some form of attachment?

This couplet highlights the eternal conflict between spiritual wisdom and human necessity. While the poet acknowledges that detachment from the transient world is the wiser path to avoid suffering, he admits that human life stagnates without interest or connection. It captures the helplessness of the human condition, where one is forced to engage with the world just to survive.

O Zauq, the rose in the garden is extremely proud of its own delicacy.

The truth is, it has simply never seen the one who truly possesses pride and elegance.

The poet uses a classic metaphor comparing the beloved to a rose. He mocks the rose's vanity, suggesting that its pride in being delicate is born of ignorance. If the rose were to witness the beloved's superior elegance and tenderness, its arrogance would instantly vanish.

O Zauq, the rose in the garden is extremely proud of its own delicacy.

The truth is, it has simply never seen the one who truly possesses pride and elegance.

The poet uses a classic metaphor comparing the beloved to a rose. He mocks the rose's vanity, suggesting that its pride in being delicate is born of ignorance. If the rose were to witness the beloved's superior elegance and tenderness, its arrogance would instantly vanish.

If you do not grant a kiss upon your cheek (face), then grant one from your lip.

There is a famous proverb: if one cannot have the whole flower, a single petal will suffice.

The poet uses a clever and playful argument to negotiate with the beloved. By equating the face to a full flower and the lip to a mere petal, the lover suggests that a kiss on the lips is a modest compromise, citing the proverb that a part is acceptable if the whole is denied.

If you do not grant a kiss upon your cheek (face), then grant one from your lip.

There is a famous proverb: if one cannot have the whole flower, a single petal will suffice.

The poet uses a clever and playful argument to negotiate with the beloved. By equating the face to a full flower and the lip to a mere petal, the lover suggests that a kiss on the lips is a modest compromise, citing the proverb that a part is acceptable if the whole is denied.

He struck me down inside the mosque by glaring at me with his intense eyes.

Look at the audacity of this infidel; he killed me right inside the house of God.

This couplet playfully contrasts the sanctity of a place of worship with the worldly power of romantic attraction. The poet refers to the beloved as a 'Kafir' (infidel) to highlight their cruelty or lack of religious regard, noting the irony that the beloved used the lethal power of their gaze to 'kill' the lover within the safety of a mosque.

He struck me down inside the mosque by glaring at me with his intense eyes.

Look at the audacity of this infidel; he killed me right inside the house of God.

This couplet playfully contrasts the sanctity of a place of worship with the worldly power of romantic attraction. The poet refers to the beloved as a 'Kafir' (infidel) to highlight their cruelty or lack of religious regard, noting the irony that the beloved used the lethal power of their gaze to 'kill' the lover within the safety of a mosque.

O candle, your natural life span lasts for only a single night.

It is your choice whether to pass it smiling or to spend it weeping.

The poet uses the metaphor of a candle to illustrate the brevity of life, noting that its entire existence is limited to just one dark night. Since the end is inevitable and the time is short, the poet suggests that complaining is futile. It serves as a philosophical reminder that while we cannot control the length of our life, we can choose our attitude towards it.

O candle, your natural life span lasts for only a single night.

It is your choice whether to pass it smiling or to spend it weeping.

The poet uses the metaphor of a candle to illustrate the brevity of life, noting that its entire existence is limited to just one dark night. Since the end is inevitable and the time is short, the poet suggests that complaining is futile. It serves as a philosophical reminder that while we cannot control the length of our life, we can choose our attitude towards it.

We simply could not attain the distinct style of Mir, no matter what happened.

O Zauq, the poets exerted immense effort and force in writing ghazals (but in vain).

This couplet is a famous admission of artistic humility by Zauq, acknowledging the superiority of the legendary poet Mir Taqi Mir. Zauq states that while he and his contemporaries worked incredibly hard to master the art of the Ghazal, Mir's effortless and unique style remained unreachable. It highlights the consensus that Mir's genius is inimitable.

We simply could not attain the distinct style of Mir, no matter what happened.

O Zauq, the poets exerted immense effort and force in writing ghazals (but in vain).

This couplet is a famous admission of artistic humility by Zauq, acknowledging the superiority of the legendary poet Mir Taqi Mir. Zauq states that while he and his contemporaries worked incredibly hard to master the art of the Ghazal, Mir's effortless and unique style remained unreachable. It highlights the consensus that Mir's genius is inimitable.

Who knows what kind of suspicion or doubt he harbors regarding me.

That even when he appears in my dream at night, he never comes alone.

The poet humorously exaggerates the beloved's cautiousness and lack of trust. The beloved is so guarded that even in the lover's dream—a realm usually controlled by one's own subconscious desire for intimacy—he brings a companion (likely a rival or guard) to avoid being alone with the poet.

Who knows what kind of suspicion or doubt he harbors regarding me.

That even when he appears in my dream at night, he never comes alone.

The poet humorously exaggerates the beloved's cautiousness and lack of trust. The beloved is so guarded that even in the lover's dream—a realm usually controlled by one's own subconscious desire for intimacy—he brings a companion (likely a rival or guard) to avoid being alone with the poet.

Oh physician, why are you examining my hand? Please let it go.

There is no life left in this body here, so how can the pulse be beating?

The poet addresses a doctor trying to diagnose his condition by feeling his pulse. He dismisses this medical attention as futile, claiming that the suffering of love has already drained all life from him. Since he considers himself practically dead, checking for a pulse is a meaningless action.

Oh physician, why are you examining my hand? Please let it go.

There is no life left in this body here, so how can the pulse be beating?

The poet addresses a doctor trying to diagnose his condition by feeling his pulse. He dismisses this medical attention as futile, claiming that the suffering of love has already drained all life from him. Since he considers himself practically dead, checking for a pulse is a meaningless action.

God has granted you a single tongue but has provided you with two ears.

The meaning of this design is that a human should speak once and listen twice.

The poet interprets the physical anatomy of the human body as a divine signal for behavioral ethics. By highlighting that humans have one tongue but two ears, Zauq argues that nature intends for us to listen twice as much as we speak. It is a lesson in wisdom, suggesting that silence and attention bring more benefit than excessive talking.

God has granted you a single tongue but has provided you with two ears.

The meaning of this design is that a human should speak once and listen twice.

The poet interprets the physical anatomy of the human body as a divine signal for behavioral ethics. By highlighting that humans have one tongue but two ears, Zauq argues that nature intends for us to listen twice as much as we speak. It is a lesson in wisdom, suggesting that silence and attention bring more benefit than excessive talking.

Who has the world ever truly accompanied on the path to ultimate destruction?

So, you too should just keep walking along for as long as this journey continues.

The poet reflects on the reality that worldly companions and possessions inevitably leave us when we face death. Recognizing that the world is unfaithful in the end, the poet advises a stoic acceptance: simply live life as it comes and go with the flow until the inevitable conclusion.

Who has the world ever truly accompanied on the path to ultimate destruction?

So, you too should just keep walking along for as long as this journey continues.

The poet reflects on the reality that worldly companions and possessions inevitably leave us when we face death. Recognizing that the world is unfaithful in the end, the poet advises a stoic acceptance: simply live life as it comes and go with the flow until the inevitable conclusion.

We are not the kind of people who would file a claim or demand justice against you for our murder.

In fact, even if God Himself asks who killed us, we will deny it was you to protect you.

This couplet illustrates the ultimate height of sacrificial love, where the lover values the beloved's safety more than divine justice. The speaker promises that not only will they refrain from complaining about the beloved's cruelty in this world, but they will also lie to God on Judgment Day to save the beloved from punishment.

We are not the kind of people who would file a claim or demand justice against you for our murder.

In fact, even if God Himself asks who killed us, we will deny it was you to protect you.

This couplet illustrates the ultimate height of sacrificial love, where the lover values the beloved's safety more than divine justice. The speaker promises that not only will they refrain from complaining about the beloved's cruelty in this world, but they will also lie to God on Judgment Day to save the beloved from punishment.

O Zauq, a person's name survives until the Day of Judgment only through their words and poetry.

Through biological offspring, one's name remains known for merely two or four generations.