Ghazals of Ghalib

Translated by

A. A. KUDROLLI.

APPENDIX – III

1.                 Dard sae maere haye thujh koe bekhararee haaye haaye

Affliction of mine caused you anxiety ah alas

Kya huvee zaalim thaeri ghaflath-shiyaari haaye haaye

What happened Oh tormentor to your drowsy habits ah alas

Thaere dil mae gar na tha aashobe-gum ka hawsala

In your heart if there was absence of courage to bear painful tumult

Thoone phir kyun kee thi maeri gum-gusaari haaye haaye

Why did you become my consoler in pain ah alas

Kyun maeri gum-khwargee ka thujh koe aaya tha khayaal

Why commiserating in my affliction envelope your thought

Dushmanee apnee thi maeri dosth-daari haaye haaye

Enemity was our relationship, your friendship ah alas

Umr-bhar ka thoone paimanae-wafa baandha thoe kya

A lifetime to be faithful what if you owed

Umr ka bhee thoe naheen haye paayedarai haaye haaye

A life span too has no permanence ah alas

Zahr lagthee haye mujhe aabo-hawaaye-zindagee

Poison appears to me that climate of life

Yaani thujh sae thee usae naa-saaz-gaari haaye haaye That is to say, with you it was discordant ah alas

Gul-fishani haaye naaze-jalwa koe kya ho gaya

To scattering roses, pride of display, what happened

Khaak par hoathee haye thaeri lalakaari haaye haaye

In dust does your splendour appear ah alas!

Sharm-ruswaaee sae jaa chupna nakhaabae-khwaab mae

From shame and infamy go hide in veil of ashes

Khathm haye ulfath ki thujh per parda-daari haaye haaye

Finished is attachment for your confidentiality ah alas

Khaak mae na-moose-paimaane-muhabbath mil gayee

In ashes did we find fame, a measure full of love

Ooth gayee duniyaa sae raaho-rasme-yaari haaye haaye

Lifted from world is the path of customs and usage ah alas

Kis tharah kaate koyee shab-haaye-thaare-barshkaal

How does one spend the dark rainy nights

Haye nazr-khoo-kardah-akhthar-shumaari haaye haaye

Keeping in view the habit of counting stars ah alas

Goesh mahjoore-payamo-chashm mahroomae-jamaal

The ear deprived of hearing the sight cut-off beauty

Yaek dil jis par yae na-ummeedwaaree haaye haaye

One heart on which this helplessness ah alas

Ishq nae pakda na tha ‘Ghalib’ abhee vashhath ka rang

The passion had not yet embraced ‘Ghalib’ the colour of ferocity

Rah gaya tha dil mae joe kuch zauqae-khwaari haaye haaye

Dwelt did in heart what ever distressed joy ah alas

*****

2.                 Balaa sae haye joe yae paeshe-nazar daroe-deewaar

In calamity are these sights in every nook and corner

Nigaahae-shaukh koe haye baal-vo-par daroa-deewaar

To wanton eyed are the hair and feathers every nook and corner

Wafoore-ashk nae kaashane ka kiya yeh rang

The overflowing tears have given the house such colour

Keh hoe gayae maere deewaro-dar daroe-deewaar

That have made doors of my house every nook and corner!

Naheen haye saaye ki sunkar navaede-makhdame-yaar

There is no shadow of any friends coveted arrival

Jaayae hain chand khadam paeshthar daroe-deewaar

Have taken a few steps in advance of every nook and corner!

Huvee haye kis khadar arzaani-yae-mayae-jalwah

What a way has it become cheap this excessive wine

Keh masth haye therae koochae mae har daroe-deewaar

That drunk are your dwelling houses every nook and corner

Joe haye thujhe sare-sauda-ye-inthizaar thoe aa

If you have the mind for ambiance do come

Keh haye dukane-mathaye-nazar daroe-deewaar

All the wealthy glamorous shops have become every nook and corner

Hujoome-giriya ka saamaan kab kiya maye-nae

Flooding with tears, when did I make preparation

Keh gir padae na merae paavun per daroe-deewaar

That fell on my feet every nook and corner

Voh aa raha merae hamsaaye mae thoe saaye sae

He is coming to my neighbour hood like shadow

Huvae fida daroe-deewaar par daroe-deewaar

Sacrificed are the entire dwelling in every nook and corner

Nazar mae khatkae haye bin therae ghar ki aabaadi

The eyes are struck with thorns without you the inmates

Hamaesha roathe hain ham daekh-kar daroe-deewaar

Always do I weep looking at every nook and corner!

Na pooch bekhudi-aishae-makhdame-sailaab

Do not ask mindlessness preparatory to a deluge

Keh naachthae hain padae sar-ba-sar daroe-deewaar

The dancing is every where in every nook and corner!

Na kah kisee sae keh ‘Ghalib’ naheen zamanae mae

Do not tell any one that ‘Ghalib’ is not there in this age

Hareefe-raaze-muhabbath magar daroe-deewaar

Enemy of confidential love but in every nook and corner

*****

3.                 Deewaangee sae doash pae junnaar bhee naheen

Due to lunacy on the shoulder there is no janave (a hindus rosary)

Yaani hamaari jaeb mae ek thaar bhee naheen

Which means in my pocket even a penny there isn’t

Dil koe niyaaze-hasrathae-deedaar kar chukae

The heart in supplication longing for a glance did offer

Daekha thoe ham mae thaakhathae-deedaar bhee naheen

Only to find in me the courage to see there isn’t

Milna agar thaera naheen aasaan thoe sahal haye

To meet you if not simple is easy

Dushwaar thoe yahee haye ki dushwaar bhee naheen

The difficult part is difficulty there isn’t!

Bae-ishq umr kat naheen sakthi haye aur yaan

Without passionate love life is not lived but here

Thaakath bakhadre-lazzathe-aazaar bhee naheen

The strength to bear and enjoy the malady there isn’t

Shoereedgi kae haath sae sar haye vabaale-doesh

In the hands of madness head was vexatious last night

Sahra mae aye khuda koyi deewaar bhee naheen

In the wilderness oh God any wall there isn’t

Gunjaaishae-adaawathae-agyaar ek tharaf

Capacity to control the enemy leave alone

Yaan dil mae zaukh sae hawase-yaar bhee naheen

Here in heart due to infirmity desire for the beloved there isn’t

Dar naala-haaye-zaar sae merae khuda koe maan

Dread from morning lamentation, believe in my God

Aakhir nava-e-murge-girafthaar bhee naheen

After all song of the bird in the cage, prisoner it isn’t

Dil mae haye yaar ki safae-misrgaan sae rookashoo

In the heart is beloved’s tearful face is mirrored

Haalanki thaakhathe-khalish-e-khaar bhee naheen

However the strength to bear the piercing thorns there isn’t

Iss saadgi pae kaun na mar jaaye ayae khuda

This simplicity oh God, who will not welcome death

Ladthae hain aur haath mae thalwaar bhee naheen

They are fighting and in the hand, sword there isn’t

Daekha ‘Asad’ koe khalwath-vo-jalwath mae baraha

Saw ‘Asad’ in solitude and crowd frequently

Deewana gar naheen haye thoe hushyaar bhee naheen

Insane though he is not prudent he isn’t.

*****

4.                 Kisee koe dae kae dil koyee nava-sanje-phugaan kyun hoe

Having given away your heart why clamour of pain it be

Na hoe jab dil hi seenae mae thoe phir muh mae zabaan kyun hoe

When the heart is not there tongue in the mouth it be

Voh apni khoo na choedaengae, hum apnee vazaa kyun badlain

She would not give up her habit, why should I change my way

Subaksar ban kae kyaa poochain ki hamsae sargiraan kyun hoe

Demeaning myself why ask her from me what anger it be

Kiyaa gamkhwaar nae ruswaa lagae aag iss muhabbath koe

My intimate friend disgraced me let this love be damned

Na laavae thaab joe gam kee voh maera raazdaan kyun hoe

Who cannot bring the rage of pain why a secret bearer it be

Wafaa kaisee kahaan ka ishq jab sar phoedna tahraa

What fidelity from where this love, when have to batter the head

Thoe phir aye sangdil thaera hi sangae-aasthaan kyun hoe

Then oh breaker of heart, why your door step it be

Khafas mae mujh sae roudaade-chaman kahthae nadar hamdam

In prison to me reporting about the garden do not be afraid oh sympathiser

Giree haye jis pae kal bijlee voh maera aashiyaan kyun hoe

Where lighting has struck yesterday my house were it be

Yeh kah sakthae hoe ham dil mae naheen hain per yeh bathlaavoe

This can be said, I am not in your heart, but tell me

Ki jab dil mae thum-hi-thum hoe thoe aankhoen sae nihaan kyun hoe

When in my heart you and you alone dwell from the eyes concealed it be

Galath haye jazbe-dil kaa shikwah daekhoe jurm kis kaa haye

Wrong is the governance of hearts plea, so whose fault it is

Na kheechoe gar thum apnae koe kashaakash darmiyaan kyun hoe

If you do not pull yourself apart in the midst struggle why it be

Yeh fithna aadmee kee khaana-veeraanee koe kya kam haye

This mischief for man’s destruction of his home how it is wanting

Huvae thum doesth jiskae ooska dushman aasmaan kyun hoe

Whose friend you became why his enemy firmament it be

Yahee haye aazmaana thoe sathaana kiskoe kahthae hain

If this is a trial, harassing to which do you say

Adoo kae hoe liyae jab thum thoe maera imthihaan kyun hoe

When foe did you join as friend then why my trial it be

Nikaala chaahtha haye kaam kya thaane sae thoo ‘Ghalib’

Want to get your purpose served with taunting you ‘Ghalib’

Therae bae maehar kahnae sae voh thum par meharbaan kyun hoe

On your saying unkind words why they be grateful to you it be

*****

5.                 Bazme-shahanshah mae ashaar kaa dafthar khulaa

In the emperors assembly a verses register was opened

Rakhiyoe yaarab voh darae-ganjeena-gauhar khulaa

Do keep oh god this treasure of pearls and gems opened

Shab huvee phir anjumae-rakhshanda kaa manjar khulaa

Night came then twinkling stars glowing sight opened

Iss thakalluf sae ki goya buthkadae kaa dar khulaa

With such ceremony as if the idol-temples door opened

Garchae hoon deewana par kyun doesth kaa khaavoon faraeb

If I am insane then why should I practice deception on friends

Aastheen mae dashna pinhaan haath mae nashthar khulaa

In the sleeve dagger concealed in the hand lancet opened

Goe na samjhoon uski baathain goe na paavoon uska bhed

Although I do not understand her speech, although I can not delve her secrets

Par yeh kyaa kam haye ki mujh sae voh paree-paikar khulaa

Is it less of a performance that through me that fairy face opened

Haye khayaalae husn mae husne-amal ka saa khayaal

In the thoughts of beauty, to be intoxicated by beauty is the thought

Khuld kaa yek dar haye maeri goer kae ander khulaa

One door of heaven there is, which inside my grave opened

Munh na khulnae per haye voh aalam ki daekhee hee naheen

Mouth being sealed the accusation is that notice I did not

Zulf sae badkar nakhaab oos shaukh kae munh par khulaa

Longer than her curls on that mischievous face opened

Dar pae rahnae koe kahaa aur kah kae kaisaa phir gayaa

On the door I was asked to stay, having said how she turned away

Jithne arsae mae maera lipta huva bisthar khulaa

Since what an age my rolled bed opened

Kyun andhaeri haye shabe-gam haye balaavoen kaa nuzool

Why darkness in the night of affliction and decent of calamity

Aaj udhar hee koe-rahaega deedah-akhthar khulaa

To day in that direction would be the staring eyes a constellation opened

Kya rahoon gurbath mae khush jab hoe havaadis kaa yeh haal

How do I be happy in foreign travel when misfortunes follow of this nature

Naama laatha haye vathan sae naamabar aksar khulaa

Letter does the bearer bring from home, the letter always opened!

Uski ummath mae hoon maye maere rahain kyoon kaam bandh

I am his citizen why should my affairs be closed

Vaasthae jis Shah kae ‘Ghalib’ goombadae-bae-dar khulaa

For whose king oh ‘Ghalib’ arches and doors opened

*****

6.                 Hayraan hoon dil koe roaoon keh peetoon jigar koe maye

Confounded I am, do I rend the heart or blow the lungs do I

Makhdoor hoe thoe saath rakhoon nauhagar koe maye

If I could afford, would employ a lamenter do I

Choeda na rashk nae keh therae ghar ka naam loon

Did not allow my jealousy that I mention name of your house

Har yaek sae poochtha hoon ki jaavoon kidhar koe maye

Every one I ask, where do I go, do I

Jaanaa pada raqeeb kae dar par hazaar baar

Had to go to rivals door thousand times

Aye kaash jaantha na thaere rahguzar koe maye

O, how I wish, I were not to know your path, do I

Haye kya joe kas kae baandhiyae maeri bala darae

Why not tighten the belt that my evil dread

Kya jaantha naheen hoon thumhaaree kamar koe maye

Do not I know your slender waist do I

Lo voh bhi kahthae hain ki yae benaengae-naam haye

Lo, she too is saying that I am a shameless destitute

Yeh jaantha agar thoe lootaatha na ghar koe maye

Were I to know this, would I have squandered my home do I

Chaltha hoon thoedi door har yaek thaez-row kae saath

I walk a short distance with every fleet-footed

Pohanchtha naheen hoon abhee raah bar koe maye

Have not met till now, any one who guides do I

Khwahish koe ahmakhoan nae parasthish diya kharaar

To desire idiots give the status of prayer

Kya poojtha hoon oos buthe-baedadgar koe maye ?

Worship these temples of idolatry do I ?

Phir bekhudee mae bhool gayaa raahe-koohae- yaar

In mindlessness again I forgot paramours whereabouts

Jaatha vagar-na yaek din apnee khabar koe maye

Otherwise I would have gone to my own grave do I

Apnae pae kar rahaa hoon khyas ahlae-dahar ka

In myself do I conjecture the entire human existence

Samjha hoon dil-pazaer matha-ye-hunar koe maye

I recognise myself an agreeable, thoughtful and accomplished do I

Ghalib khuda karae keh savare- samande- naaz

Oh ‘Ghalib’, God willing I ride a high-bred horse of elegance

Daekhoon alee-bahadurae aali-guhar koe maye

Let me be seen as the high ranking and highly valued pearl do I

*****

7.                 Kyoon jal gaya na thaabe-rukhae-yaar daekh kar

How, did not burn, by the flame of beloveds face that I saw

Jaltha hoon apni thaakhathae- deedaar daekh kar

Burning I am at my own power of endurance her sight that I saw

Aathish parasth kahthae hain ahlae-jahaan mujhae

Fire worshipper I am called by the entire world

Sargarme-naala-haaye-sharar baar daekh kar

Earnest lamentations alas! the sparkling fire that I saw

Kya aabroo-ye-ishq jahaan aam hoe jafaa

What dignity of love where common is betrayal

Ruktha hoon thumkoe bae sabab aazaar daekh kar

I stop watching you, vexations without cause that I saw

Aatha haye maere khathl koe parjoashe-rashq sae

He is charging with envious bristling rage

Martha hoon ooskae haath mae thalwaar daekh kar

I die, in their hand the very sword that I saw

Saabith huvae haye gardanae-meena pae khoonae-khalaq

It is established that the neck of the decantor has destroyed mankind

Larzae hain mauje-mayae thaeri rafthaar daekh kar

Trembling is the waves of wine your pace that I saw

Vaa hasrathaa ki yaar nae kheenchaa sitham sae haath

Oh grief lover has pulled back from tyrants her hand

Humkoe hareesae-lazzathae-aazaar daekh kar

Seeing me covetous delicious ailing that I saw

Bik jaathae hain ham aap matha-ye-sukhan kae saath

I am sold with poetic merchandise

Laikin ayaare-thabaaye-khareedaar daekh kar

Not before the shrewd investors that I saw

In aablon sae paavun kae ghabra gaya tha maye

With these blistered feet my heart was terrified

Jee khush huvaa haye raah koe purkaar daekh kar

The heart is pleased that the path strewn with thorns that I saw

Kya badgumaan haye mujhsae keh aayinae mae maere

How mistrustful from me in my own mirror

Thoothi ki aks samjhae haye zangaar daekh kar

The image of a little bird is mistaken, gathered rust that I saw

Sar phoadnaa vo ‘Ghalib’ shoereeda-haal kaa

To break my head vo ‘Ghalib’ in the disturbed situation

Yaad aa gaya mujhae thaeri deewar daekh kar

Memory came to me your wall that I saw

*****

8.                 Chaahiyae achchoan koe jithnaa chaahiyae

Desire those who are righteous, as much is necessary

Yeh agar chahaen thoe phir kya chaahiyae

If they wish, what for you is necessary

Sohabathae-rinda sae waajib haye haazar

Society of drunks, it is desirable to be aloof

Jaaye-maye apnae koe kheenchaa chaahiyae

The taverns, automatic attraction is necessary

Chaahanae koe thaerae kya samjha tha dil

Desiring you, what heart had thought

Baarae ab issae bhi samjhaa chaahiyae

In short, now even with this, comprehension is necessary

Chaak mat kar jaib bae-aiyyamae-gul

Do not slit your bosom oh rose without spring

Kuch oodhar kaa bhee ishaara chaahiyae

Some what other sides signal too is necessary

Doasthee ka pardah haye begaangee

Friendships curtain is strangeness

Munh chupaana hamsae choada chaahiyae

To hide one’s face from me avoidance is necessary

Dushmanee nae maeri khoaya gair koe

From enmity with me you lost others

Kis khadar dushman haye daekha chaahiyae

What type of enemity it is, to observe is necessary

Apni ruswayee mae chalthae haye sahee

In my disgrace what benefit there can be

Yaar hee hangaama-aara chaahiyae

The friend prepared for tumult is necessary!

Munahsir marnae pae hoe jiski ummeed

Depending upon the desire for death as hope

Na ummeedi uski daekha chaahiyae

Such hopelessness of people, observation is necessary

Ghaafil in mah-thalwathoen kae waasthae

Inattentive these moonfaced loves for them

Chaahnae waala bhee achcha chaahiyae

Those who desire them be Bravo! is necessary.

Chahathae hain khoobariyon koe ‘Asad’

Desire for pretty faces Oh ‘Asad’

Aapkee soorath thoe daekha chaahiyae

A good look at your own face is necessary

*****

9.                 Na gulae-naghma hoon na parda-ye-saaz

Neither the tragic rose I am nor silenced music

Maye hoon apni shikasth kee aawaz

I am my own failure’s muted cry

Thoo aur aaraishae-khamae-kaakul’

You and your decorated neck embracing ringlets

Maye aur andesha haaye-door-daraaz

Me also, my very far probing suspicions

Laafae-thamkeen, faraebe-saada-dilee

Bragging grandeur, deceptive simplicity

Ham hain aur raaz-haaye-seena gudaaz

I am there and secrets dissolved in my breast

Hoon girafthaare ulfathae-sayyaad

I am imprisoned by the love for my jailor

Warna baakhi haye thaakhathae-parwaaz

Otherwise I still have the strength to fly

Voh bhi din hoe ki oos sithamgar sae

Those days were with that tormentor

Naaz khaenchoon bajayae hasrathae naaz

Took pride instead of desire for coquetry

Naheen dil mae merae voh khathra-ye-khoon

In my heart is absent that drop of blood

Jis sae mishgaan hoovee na hoe gool baaz

Without which there were tears or showers of flowers

Aye thaera gamza yek-khalam angaez

Oh your coquetry which my writing excites

Aye thaera zulm sar basar andaaz

Oh your tyranny from end to end measured

Thoo hoova jalwaagar mubaarak hoe

You became manifest good wishes to you

Rezishae-sijda-jabeenae-niyaaz

Pouring out prostrations the forehead supplicant

Mujhkoe poochaa thoe kuchch ghazab na hoovaa

When I was asked, outrage there was none

Maye ghareeb aur thoo ghareeb-nawaaz

I am a destitute and you are sympathiser of the poor

Asadullah Khan thamaam hoovaa

Asadullah Khan is finished

Aye daraega voh rindae-shahid-baaz

That wretch! That drunkard libertine

*****

10.             Huzoorae-shah mae ahle-sookhan kee aazmaish haye

In the presence of Majesty great poetry, its trial there is

Chaman mae khush-navayanae-chaman ki aazmaish haye

In the garden, mellow singing of voices, its trial there is

Khadoe-gaesoo mae Khaiso-Kohkan ki aazmaaish haye

In status and side locks Kais (Majnu) and Kohkan (Farhad) their trial there is

Jahaan ham hain wahaan daaro-rasan ki aazmaaish haye

Where I am, there, hangman’s gallows, its trial there is

Karaenge Kohakan kae howsalae ka imthihaan aakhir

At last Kohkan’s capacity will be judged

Hanooz oos khastha kae nairoo-ye-than ki aazmaaish haye

As yet that wounded strong body its trial there is

Naseemae-Misr koe kya peerae-kaanan ki hawa-khwaahee

To fragrant air of Misr (Egypt) what noble of Kanaan’s (prophet Isaac) goodwill

Oosae Yoosuf ki boo-ye-pairhan ki aazmaish haye

To him Yousuf’s (prophet Joseph) odour of shirt its trial there is

Voh aayae bazm mae, daekhoe, na kahiyoe phir keh ghaafil thae

He came to assembly, let us see, don’t say thereafter, was neglectful

Shikeebe- sabrae-ahlae-anjuman ki aazmaaish haye

Patience and self-restraint of the entire assembly its trial there is

Rahae dil hee mae theer achcha jigar kae paar hoe baehthar

Let the arrow be in the heart it is good if pierces past, then better

Gharaz shasthae-buthae navak-figaan ki aazmaaish haye

Interest of taking aim, of the speechless archers its trial there is

Naheen kooch subah-voh-junnaar kae phandae mae geeraayee

Neither in the rosary (of muslims) or janaev (of hindoos) and its hissing (as of snake) the conquering (of the world)

Vafaadaaree mae shaekhae-brahaman ki aazmaaish haye

In constancy the Shaikh and Brahmin their trial there is

Padae rah aye dilae-vaabasthaa baethaabi sae kya haasil

Do remain oh heart attached, in impatience what is the gain

Magar phir thaabae-zulfae-purshikan kee aazmaaish haye

But again endurance of wrinkled hair its trial there is

Ragoe-paye mae jab uthrae zaharae-gam thab daekhiyae kya hoe

In the artery and foot when poison descends then see what happens

Abhee thoe thalkhi-ye-kaam-vo-dahan ki aazmaish haye

Just now bitterness of mouth and the palate its trial there is

Voh aayengae maere ghar waada kaisa daekhna ‘Ghalib’

She will come to my abode what promise, let us see ‘Ghalib’

Nayae fithnoe mae ab charkhae-kuhan ki aazmaaish haye

In new mischief, ancient sky, its trial there is

*****

11.             Bae aethidaaliyoan sae sabak sab mae ham huvae

Among the immoderate the most frivolous we became

Jithnae ziyaadah hoe gayae oothnae hi kam huvae

As much more as possible so much less we became

Pinhaan tha daam-sakhth khareeb aashiyaane kae

Secretly did we reach our abode

Oodnae na paaye thae keh girafthaar ham huvae

Were about to fly away that captive we became

Hasthee hamaari apni fanaa par daleel haye

Life was intent on providing proof of its own perdition

Yaan thak mitae keh aap ham apnee khasam hoovae

So much we were erased that our own oath we became!

Saqthee-kashaanae-ishq kee poochae haye kya khabar?

Cruelty of anguished love what enquire you about the news?

Voh loag raftha-raftha saraapa alam hoovae

Those people step by step sight of misfortune became

Thaeri wafaa sae kya hoe thalaafi keh dahar mae

Fidelity to you what matters, retaliation in lifetime

Thaere sivaa bhi ham pae bahuth sae sitham hoovae

Apart from you too on me great deal of outrages became

Likhthae rahae junoon ki hikaayaath khoon chakaan

Kept writing lunacy’s stories blood tasting

Harchand issmae haath hamaare khalam huvae

Although my hands by this writing stiff became

Allah rae thaeri thundi-khoo jiskae beem sae

Oh God! Your acrimonious habits in terror of which

Ajza-ye-naola dil mae maere rizqe ham hoovae

Ingredients of lamentations in our heart our own food became

Ahlae-hawas kee fathah haye tharke-nabarde-ishq

The conquest of all desires is abandonment of battles of love

Joe paanvu ootth gayae vahee oonkae alam hoovae

Those feet which were raised, they, their knowledge became.

Naalae-adam mae chand hamaarae supard thae

Lamentations of non-entities a few came in my custody

Joe vaan na khinch sakae soe voe yaan aake dam hoovae

What could not be crammed there, here lively became

Choedee ‘Asad’ na hamne gadaayee mae dil-lagee

Abandon ‘Asad’ we did not humour in poverty

Saail huvae thoe aashiqe-ahlae-karam huvae

Beggars though we were lovers of charity we became

*****

12.             Khuncha-nashaguftha koe door sae math dikha, kae ‘yoon’

A rose-bud unloosened from far do not show like ‘This’

Boase koe poochtha hoon maye muh sae mujhae bathaa, kae yoon!

The kiss do I ask, with your mouth, showing one like ‘This’!

Pursishae-tharzae-dilbaree keejiyae kya keh bin kahae

Enquire about the form of entrapment that too without speech

Ooskae har yek ishaarae sae niklae haye yah adaa kae ‘yoon’

In her every signal does emanate this charm like ‘This’

Raath kae vakhth mayae piyae, saath raqeeb koe liyae

At night time do we drink wine, accompanied by the rival

Aaye voh yoan khudaa karae, par na karae khuda keh ‘yoon’

That she should appear by God, but oh God not like ‘This’!

Gair sae raath kya banee, yeh joe kahatha thoe daekhiye

With stranger how night passed, see what he says

Saamnae aan baithna aur yeh daekhna keh ‘yoon’!

Opposite doth he proudly sit and gives a look like ‘This’

Bazm mae uske roobaroo kyuna khaamosh baithiye

In assembly face to face with him sit silently

Ooskee thoe khaamoshi mae bhee haye yahee muddaa ki yoon

In the silence too there is this impeachment like ‘This’

Mainae kaha ki bazmae-naaz chaahiye ghair sae thahee

I did say that the airs of assembly is necessary even with strangers

Sun kae sitham-zareef nae moojh koe uthaa diya ki ‘yoon’

Hearing which ignominious tyrant did lift me up like ‘This’

Mujhsae kaha jo yaar nae jaathae hain hoesh kis tharah

To me did my friends tell how does one loose the sense

Dekh kae maeri bekhudi chalnae lagee hawa keh yoon

Looking at my delirious state breeze started blowing like ‘This’!

Kab mujhae kooye-yaar mae rahnae kee vazaa yaad thee

When to me in beloved’s lanes, living etiquette’s I remembered

Aayinadari ban gayee hairath-ye-nakhshe-pa keh ‘yoon’

The mirror bearer became amazed seeing the foot prints like ‘This’

Gar tharae dil mae hoe khayaal vasl mae shaukh ka zawaal

If in your heart did the thought in union decline in zeal

Mauje muheethe-aab mae maarae-pa haye dasthopa keh ‘yoon’

The waves of whirlpool are striking the hands and feet like ‘This’

Joe yae kahae keh rekhtha kyunkeh hoe rashke-faarsi

If she were to say is this urdu language or hateful Farsee

Guftha-ye-‘Ghalib’ yeak baar padh kae usae suna ki yoon

‘Ghalib’s discourse were to be if read out like this

*****

13.             Ham par jafa sae tharke-wafa ka gumaan naheen

On us due to tyranny resignation from fidelity suspicion isn’t

Ek chaed haye vagarna muraad imthihaan naheen

A flirtation there is, otherwise, intention a test isn’t

Kis mooh sae shukr kee jiye iss luthfe-khaas ka

With what face be thankful of this special courtesy

Pursish haye aur paaye-sukhan dar miyaan naheen

An interrogation it is and eloquence in between isn’t

Ham koe sitham azeez, sithamgar koe hum azeez

To us torture is precious, to tormentor we are dear

Na meharbaan naheen haye agar meherbaan naheen

Ungrateful I am not even if gratitude isn’t

Bosa naheen, na deejiye dushnaam hee sahee

Kiss you do not, don’t, abuses would do

Aakir zabaan thoe rakhthe hoe thum gar wahaan naheen

After all tongue you possess even if, there, isn’t

Harchand jaan-gudaajiye-kahro-ithaab haye

Although melting of life is rage and reproof

Harchand pushth-garmiye-taabo-thuvan naheen

Even if ancestral favour power of endurance isn’t

Jaan muthribae-tharanaye-hal-min-mazeed haye

When the singer is greedy of more and more applause

Lab parda-sanje-zamzam-ye-al-amaa naheen

On the tongue that surrender to chanting isn’t

Khanjar sae cheer seena agar dil na hoe doneem

With a dagger slit the chest if the heart cannot be devided

Dil mae churee chuboe, misrah gar khoon chakaan naheen

In the heart plunge the knife, if the couplet blood-tasted isn’t

Nooqsaan naheen junoon mae, balaa sae hoe ghar kharaab

There is no loss in insanity, from misfortune the home is wrecked

Sau gaz zameen kae badlae bayabaan giraan naheen

In exchange of hundred yards of earth, the desert, precious isn’t

Kahthae hoe kya likha haye thaeri sarnavishth mae

You say what is written in your destiny

Goaya jabeen pae sajdah buth ka nishaan naheen

As if in the mark (on the forehead) due to sijdaa mark of idolatory isn’t

Jaan haye bahaaye bosa walae kyun kahae abhee

In living what value of garden, why assess it now

‘Ghalib’ ko jaantha haye keh voh neemjaan naheen

‘Ghalib’ you know well, half dead he isn’t

*****

14.             Kee wafa hamse thoe gair uskoe jafa kahthae hain

That she promised me, this others infidelity say

Hoethi aayee haye ki achchon koe buraa kahthae hain

This has been happening, the good people, wicked they say

Aaj ham apni paraeshaani-ye-khaathir unsae

Today we relate our perplexity of mind with them

Kahne jaathe thoe hain par daekhiye kya kahthae hain

We do go to relate, but let us see what they say

Aglae wakhthon kae hain yeh loag inhaen kuch na kahoe

People of olden days these are, do not accuse them

Joe mayae-au-nagmaa ko andoah-rubaa kahthae hain

To wine and poetry, grief ravishing they say

Dil mae aa jaaye haye hoathi haye joe fursath ghash sae

In the heart it appears, relief from stupor that happens

Aur phir kaun sae naalae koe rasaa kahthae hain

And which other lamentation, comprehensive mind they say

Haye parae-sarhadae-idraak sae apna masjood

It is worthy of limits of understanding’s worship

Khiblae koe ahlae-nazar khiblanuma kahthae hain

The kaaba (khibla) to descernsing, a mariner’s compass they say

Paa-ye-afgaar pae jab sae thujhe raham aaya-haye

The wounded feet which you felt such sympathy

Khaare-rah koe thaere ham meharegiya kahthae hain

The thorny path of yours, to us, green grass they say

Ek sharar dil mae haye oos sae koyi ghabraayega kya

A burning flame is there in heart why should any one fear

Aag mathloob haye hamko joe hawa kahthae hain

The fire is required for us, to which, breeze they say

Daekhiyae laathi oos shaukh ki nakhwath kya rang

Let us see that pleasure’s pride brings what colour

Ooski har baath pae ham naame-khuda! kahthae hain

Her every saying we take the name of God! they say.

‘Vahshatho’-‘sheftha’ ab marsiya kahvaen shaayad

‘Vahshath’ and ‘Sheftha’ now an elegy probably reciting

Mar gaya ‘Ghalib’ – aashuftha-nava kahthae hain

Dead is ‘Ghalib’ confused minded they say

*****

15.             Har ek baath pae kahthae hoe thum keh thoo kya haye

In every word say thou, what in ‘you’ there is

Thumhee kahoe keh yeh andaaze-gufthagoo kya haye

You do tell me what manner of speech there is

Na sholae mae yeh karishma na burq mae yeh adaa

Neither in flame there is such miracle nor in lightning such coquetry

Koyee bathaavo ki voh shaukhe – thund – khoo kya haye

Do some one show me what attraction for furious habits there is

Yeh rashk haye ki voh hoetha haye ham-sukhan thumse

This jealousy is there that he is getting close to you

Vagarna khaufe-bad-aamoziye-adoo kya haye

Otherwise what is the terror of an evil trashing enemy there is

Chipak raha haye badan par lahoo sae pairaahan

Pasted to the body, because of blood the shirt

Hamaari jaeb koe ub haajathe-rafoo kya haye

To my pocket now where the need to mend there is

Jala haye jism jahan dil bhi jal gaya hoga

Burnt is the body where heart too could have burnt

Kuredthe hoe joe ub raakh justhahjoo kya haye

Scratching that you are now ashes, what investigation there is

Ragaon mae daudthae-phirnae kae ham naheen khaayal

In the veins flowing rapidly I am not consenting

Jab aankh hee sae na tapkaa thoe phir lahoo kya haye

When it did not drop from the eyes then what blood there is

Voh cheez jiske liyae hamko hoe bahishth azeez

Those things for which to us heaven has become esteemed

Sivaaye baadah – gulfaame-mushkaboo kya haye

Save wine or musk deers sent and colour of rose what there is

Rahee na thakhathe – gufthaar aur agar hoe bhee

Did not have the strength to speech, even if there was

Thoe kis ummeed pae kahiyae ki aarzoo kya haye

Yet in which hope do we say what yearning there is

Huva haye shaah ka musaahib phirae haye ithraatha

Have become sovereigns companion, wandering arrogantly

Vagar na shahar mae ‘Ghalib’ ki aabroo kya haye

Otherwise in this city ‘Ghalib’s’ what dignity there is

*****

16.             Oos bazm mae mujhe naheen banthee haya kiyae

In that assembly to me does not befit being modest

Baitha raha agarchae ishaare huva kiyae

I continue to sit in case signals there were to be

Dil hee thoe haye siyasathe-darbaan sae dar gaya

The heart it is after all, from rule of door keeper did fear

Maye aur jaavoon dar sae thaere bin sada kiyae

Do I go away from your door without a sound

Rakhtha phiroon hoon khirkha-au-sajdaa rahaane-mayae

Wrapping the mendicants garment and prayer carpet I wander

Muddath huvee haye daavathe-aaboe-hawa kiyae

It is an age since I received an invitation to change climate

Baesurfa hee guzarthi haye hoe garche-umre-khizr

In prodigality itself is spent, even if the life eternal

Hazrath bhi kal kahaenge ki ham kya kiya kiyae!

The dignitary too will say tomorrow what did you do!

Makhdoor hoe thoe khak sae poochoon ki ‘aye layeem’

Had I the power I would ask the ashes ‘ you miser’

Thoo nae voh ganj-haaye-gira namaya kiya kiyae

You, that treasured nobleman what you did

Kis roaz thohmathaen na tharaasha kiyae adoo

Which day slander on you did not heap your enemies

Kis din hamaarae sur pae na aarae chala kiyae

Which day on my head hand-saws were not applied

Sohbath mae gair kee na padee hoe kaheen yeh khoo

In the association of others did it not acquire this habit

Daene laga hayeboase bagair ilthija kiyae

She has started kissing me even without solicitations

Zid kee haye aur baath magar khoo buree naheen

Persistence is another matter but habit is not mischievous

Bhoolae sae oosne saikadoan vaade-wafa kiyae

Forgetfully she has hundreds of promises fulfilled

‘Ghalib’ thumhee kahoki milaega jawab kya

‘Ghalib’ you yourself say what answers you will get

Maana ki thum kaha kiyae aur voh suna kiyae

Granted you kept saying and she went on listening

*****

17.             Dil sae thaeree nigaah jigar thak uthar gayee

From the heart your look till the liver has gone

Donoe ke ek ada mae razaamand kar gayee

Both bound in fascination willingly has gone

Shakh hoe gaya haye seena khushaa-lazzathe-faraagh

Cut open is chest in the ecstacy of separation

Thakleefe-parda dari-zakhme-jigar gayee

The burden of concealment to heart wound has gone

Voh baada-ye-shabana ki sar masthiyaan kahaan

That wine of the night where is its intoxication

Oothiye bus ub keh lazzathe-khwab sahar gayee

Get up, enough, now the taste of morning dream has gone

Oodthee phirae haye khaak maeri khooye-yaar mae

Blowing is dust in my beloved’s lane

Baare-ub aaye hawa hawasye - baaloan par gayee

In curls blows the wind, desire beyond the hair has gone

Daekhoe thoe dil faraebi-andaaze-nakhshe-pa

Do observe heart alluring style of picture of foot

Mauje khirame-yaar bhi kya gool kathar gayee

Waves of gaits of beloved too, snuffling the candles has gone

Hur bul hawas nae husn – parasthee shiyaar kee

Every slave of passion made adoration of beauty into a habit

Ub aabroo – ye – shaeva – ahlae – nazar gayee

Now the dignity of appreciation beauty has gone

Nazzare nae bhi kaam kiya vaan naqaab ka

Amorous glances too did the work of veil

Musthee sae har nigaah thaere rookh par bikhar gayee

Lustfully looks one by one splattered your face has gone

Firdaa-vo-dee ka thafrikha yek baar mit gaya

The past and the coming yesterday disappeared at once

Kal thum gayae ki hum pae khayaamath guzar gayee

You went yesterday, on me the day of judgement (khayamath) has gone

Maara zamaane nae ‘Asadullah Khan’ thumhain

Ruthless world has killed you oh Asadulla Khan

Voh valoolae kahaan voh jawaani kidhar gayee

Where is that spirit, where that youth has gone

*****

18.             Darkhaurae – kahro – gazab jab koyee ham-sa na huwaa

Suitable for fury and chastisement when like me there was none

Phir galath kya haye keh hum-sa koyee paida na huwaa

Then what is wrong, that like me born there was none

Bandagee mae bhi voh aazaad-vo-khud been hain keh ham

Even in worship so fearless and self willed that I am

Ulte phir aaye darae – kaaba agar vaan na huwaa

Would come back from the doors of kaaba if there was none

Sabko maqbool haye daava thaeri yakthaayi ka

To every one acceptable in your claim of exclusiveness

Roobaroo koyee buthae – aayina seema na huwaa

Face to face any mirror faced lover there was none

Kam naheen naazishe – hamnaami – ye – chashme khoobaan

Little is not beloved’s pride, being like beautiful eyes

Thaera beemaar, bura kya haye, gar achcha na huwaa

Your patient, what is wrong, if worthy there was none

Seenae ka daag, haye voh naala ki lub thak na gayaa

The wounds of breast it is, the cry did not reach the lips

Khaak ka rizq haye voh khathra joe dariya na huwaa

The food of ashes it is, the drop in the sea there was none

Naam ka maere haye joe dookh ki kisee koe na milaa

My reputation is sadly so, such pain none had to bear

Kaam mae maere haye joe fithna ki barpa na huwaa

In my work there is such perfidy, recognition there was none

Hur bunae – muh sae dame – zikr na tapke khoonnaab

Every critical self opinioned did not draw pure blood

Hamza ka kissa huwaa ishq ka charcha na huwaa

‘Hamza’s’ story it became, passion’s discourse there was none!

Khathrae mae dajla dikhaayi na dae aur juzoo mae kool

In a drop a lake cannot be seen, nor in part the whole

Khael ladkoan ka huwaa deeda-ye-beena na huwaa

The play of boys it became, the discerning eyes there was none

Thee khabr garm keh ‘Ghalib’ kae udaenge purzae

There were warm rumours that ‘Ghalib’ will be torn apart

Daekhnae hum bhi gayae thae par thamaasha na huwaa

To watch the fun, I too went, but disappointment, there was none

*****

19.             Gar na andoehae – shabae – furkath bayaan hoe jaayega

Grief of night of separation if not described will be

Be thakalluf daage – mah muharu vahaan hoe jaayega

Unceremoniously, the spot on the moon, scar on the mouth will be

Zahraa gar aisaa hee shaame – hijr mae hoatha haye aab

If Venus in the night of separation becomes bright

Parthavae-mahthaab saile-khaanumaan hoe jaayega

The moon-light a torrid flooding of house will be

Lae thoe loon soathe mae ooskae paaun ka boasa magar

Let me take while she is asleep a kiss of her feet, but

Aisee baathoan sae voh kaafir badgumaa hoe jaayega

By such talk that infidel suspicious will be

Dil koe ham sarfe-wafa samjhae thae kya maaloom tha

The heart we thought consumed by fidelity, but what we knew

Yaani yah pahalee hee nazre- imthihaan hoe jaayega

That is to say in the first place failed test will be

Sab kae dil mae haye jagah thaeree joe thoo raazee huwaa

In every one’s heart you have a place if you agree

Mujh pae goaya ek zamaana meharbaan hoe jaayega

On me perhaps one age obliged will be

Gar nigaahae garm far maathi rahee thaaleeme-zabth

If warm glances keep telling lessons of confiscation

Shola-khas mae jaise khoon-rag mae nihaan hoe jaayega

The blaze in the grass like blood in vein latent will be

Baagh mae mujh koe na lae jaa varna maere haal par

In the garden do not take me otherwise on my state

Har gulae-thar yek chashme-khoon fishaan hoe jaayega

Every damp rose scattering blood eyes will be

Waaye gar maera-thaera insaaf mahshar mae na hoe

If mine and yours justice in heaven were not to be

Ab thalak thoe yah tha wakkho haye ki vaan hoe jaayega

Till now the expectation is that, there it will be

Faayida kya soach aakhir thoo bhi daana haye ‘Asad’

What is the benefit think, after all you too are wise ‘Asad’

Doasthee naadaan kee haye jee ka ziyaan hoe jaayega

Friendship of foolish people courage wanting will be

*****

20.             Thaere thoasan koe saba baandh-thae hain

Your young horse morning breeze we do fetter

Ham bhi mazmoon ki hawaa baandh thae hain

We too to the meaning, wind we do fetter

Aah ka kisne asar daekha haye

Of a sigh who has the influence seen

Ham bhee yek apnee hawaa baandh-thae hain

We too our own wind we do fetter

Thaeri fursath kae mukhaabil aye oomr

Against your leisurely time O! the span of life

Burq koe pa-ba-hina baandh-thae hain

To the lightning’s feet ‘henna’ we do fetter

Khaide-hasthee sae rihayee maloom

To imprisoned desire the freedom is known

Ashk koe bae-saroa-pa baandh-thae hain

To tears, absurdity we do fetter

Nashah – rung sae haye vaashude-gul

From dispersion of colour is the blooming rose

Musth kab bande-koba baandhthae hain

Wanton poet the strings of long gown do fetter

Galthee-haaye-mazamee mat pooch

The defects of composition do not ask

Loag naalae koe rasaa baandhthae hain

People to lamentation extremity do fetter

Ahlae-thad-beer ki wamaandgiyaan

Worthy discourses what is left behind

Aabaloan par bhee heena baandhthae hain

On blishters too ‘henna’ they do fetter

Saada-purkaar haye khoobaan ‘ Ghalib’

Plain but artful is sweet heart ‘Ghalib’

Hamse paimaane-wafa baandh-thae hain

From me promise of fidelity do fetter

*****

21.             Daayim pada huva thaere dar par naheen hoon maye

Permanently fallen on your door step I am not

Khaak aisee zindagi pae keh paththar naheen hoon maye

Be perished such life, a slab of stone I am not

Kyoon gardishe – mudaam sae ghabra na jaaye dil

Why from eternal worries terrorized be the heart

Insaan hoon pyaala-vo-saaghar naheen hoon maye

I am a human being, a cup or goblet I am not

Yaa rab zamaana mujhkoe mitaatha haye kisliyae

Oh God this age is destroying me for what reason

Loahe-jahaan pae harfe-mukarrar naheen hoon maye

In this iron world inscribed words I am not

Had chaahiyae saza mae akhoobath kae waasthae

There should be a limit to punishment for the sake of torture

Aakhir gunahgaar hoon kaafir naheen hoon maye

After all I am only a sinner, a heretic (kafir) I am not

Kis waasthae azeez naheen jaanthae mujhae

What is the reason the noble do not recognise me

Lalo – zumroo – doe – zaro – gaohar naheen hoon maye

Ruby, Emerald, gold or pearl I am not

Rakhthae hoe thum khadam maeri aankhon sae kyun daroagh

Keeping you are your feet from my eye distanced

Ruthbae mae maehro – maah sae kamthar naheen hoon maye

In status from sun and moon, lesser, I am not

Karthae hoe mujhkoe manaaye – khadam-boas kis liyae

Why are you restraining me from kissing your feet

Kya aasmaan kae bhee baraabar naheen hoon maye

What even to the sky equal I am not

‘Ghalib’ wazeefa-khwar hoe doe shah koe dua

‘Ghalib’ you are a petitioner, do praise the sovereign

Voh din gayae keh kahathae thae naukar naheen hoon maye

those days are gone when you boasted, servant I am not

*****

22.             Arzae – niyaaze – ishq kae khaabil naheen rahaa

Petitioning, humble offerings to love, worthy I ceased to be

Jis dil pae naaz thaa mujhe, voh dil naheen rahaa

On which heart I prided that heart I ceased to be

Jaatha hoon daaghe – hasrathe – hasthee liyae huvae

I am going, wounded desire’s fulfillment, carrying with me

Hoon shama-kushtha, durkhaore-mahfil naheen rahaa

I am an extinguished candle worthy of assembly I ceased to be

Marnae ki aye dil aur hee thadbeer kar keh maye

For dying oh heart, a different policy I adopted

Shayaane – dastho – baazu – ye – khaathil naheen rahaa

Suitable for exercise of arms of the killer I ceased to be

Bar rooyae – shash – jihath darae – aayina – baaz haye

In six directions open mirrors there are

Yaan imthiaze – naakisoe – kaamil naheen rahaa

Here to distinguish, worthless or perfect I ceased to be

Vaa kar diyae hain shaukh nae bandae – nakaabe – husn

Open, have the longings made calculated veiled beauty

Gair az nigaah ab koyi haayil naheen rahaa

Except the glance now obstacle I ceased to be

Goe maye raha raheene – sitham – haaye – roazgaar

In spite of my being worldly oppressed alas! unemployed

Lekin thaere khayaal sae ghaafil naheen rahaa

However from your thought unmindful I ceased to be

Dil sae hawaaye- kishthe – wafa mit gayae keh vaan

From the heart the desire for planting loyalty has obliterated

Haasil sivaaye hasrathae haasil naheen rahaa

To acquire other than acquisition of grief I ceased to be

Bedaade – ishq sae naheen darthaa magar ‘Asad’

From unrequited love I am not afraid oh ‘Asad’

Jis dil pae naaz thaa mujhe voh dil naheen rahaa

Which heart I prided, that heart I ceased to be

*****

23.             Dost ghamkhwaaree mae maeri sayee firmaayaenge kya

Friends in my condolence message say right things,

Zaqm kae bharnae thalak naakhun na badh jaayengae kya

Before the wound is healed the nails won’t grow

Baeniyaazi had sae guzree bandaparwar kab thalak

Want of desire reached the limit oh your honour till when

Ham kahaenge haaledil aur aap firma-yengae kya

We will relate our condition of heart, what you will say,

Hazrathae – naaseh gar aayain deed-au-dil furshe-raah

Consummate preacher if comes, raised eyes on the green path

Koyee moojh koe yah thoe samjhaa doe ki samjhaayaengen kya

Will some one explain to me what do I explain,

Aaj vaan thaegoe – kafan baandae huvae jaatha hoon maye

Today carrying sword and shroud, bundled under my arm I go

Uzr maere khathl karnae mae voh laayengae kya

Wonder, what weapon for my execution bring,

Gar kiya naaseh nae hamkoe khaid achcha yoon sahee

If the moralists were to incarcerate me, well let it be so

Yeh janoone – ishq kae andaaz choot jaayengae kya

From the madness of passionate love be relieved,

Khanazaade – zulf hain zanjeer sae bhagaengae kyun

A child of slave are my locks, why from chains run away

Hain girif thaare-wafa zindaan sae ghabraayengae kya

We are arrested by fidelity in prison terrorised,

Haye ab iss maamoorae mae khahathe-gum-oolfath ‘Asad’

Now in this habitation Oh ‘Asad’ there is only intimacy with scarcity

Hamne yeh maana ki Dhehli mae rahaen khaayaengae kya

I agree we shall live in Delhi, but what do we eat

24.             Phir iss andaaz sae bahaar aayee

Then in this manner did the spring came

Keh hoovae mehro-maah thamaashaayee

That the sun and moon pleasure seekers, became

Daekh aye saaki-naane – khaththa-ye-khaak

Look inhabitants of earth family

Isko kahathae hain aalam-aaraayee

This is what is called world adorning, became

Keh zameen hoe gayee haye sar-thaa-sar

That the earth has become from head to head

Roo-kashae-sithah charghe-meenayee

Resembling a shining wheel of blue stones, became

Sabzae koe jab kaheen jagah na milee

The green herbiage when could not find any opening

Ban gayaa roo-ye-aab par-kaayee

The flowing water, green scum on walls, became

Sabza-va-gul koh daekhnae keh liyae

The herbiage and flowers to be seen

Chashmae-nargis koe dee haye beenaayee

The eyes of narcissus were bestowed vision, became

Haye hawaa mae sharaab kee thaaseer

In the air is liqueur’s influence

Baada noashee haye baada paye-maayee

Wine drinking is idle talking, became

Kyoon na dooniyaan koe hoe khooshee ‘Ghalib’

Why the whole world should not rejoice ‘Ghalib’

Shaahe deendaar nae shafaa paayee

The sovereign virtuous has convalescence, became

*****

25.             Voh zindaa ham hain ki hain rooshnaase-khalkh aye khizr

That I am alive who is the brightest of creation oh Khizr (a prophet)

Na thum keh choer banae umre-jaavidaan kae liyae

You did not, become a thief for eternity of life

Raha bala mae bhi maye mub-thilaye-aafathe-rushk

I remained in calamity too, entangled in misery brought by jealousy

Bala-ye-jaan haye adaa thaeri yek jaan kae liyae

Life’s misfortune is your elegance, enough for the whole world

Falakh na door rakh oos-sae mujhae keh maye hee naheen

Heaven not far keep me away, as I do not exist

Daraaz dasthee-khaathil kae imthiohaan kae liyae

Tyranny of the killer, for the sake of testing

Misaal yeh maeri koashish kee haye keh murge-aaseer

The example in this effort of mine like the encased bird

Karae khafas mae faraham khaas aashiyaan kae liyae

Are collected in the cage deprived of the nest to be destroyed

Gada samajh kae voh chup tha maeree joe shaamath aayae

Taking me to be a beggar he was silent when my punishment came

Ootha aur ooth kae khadam main nae paasbaan kae liyae

I rose and having risen took a step towards the watchman

Diya haye khalq koe bhee, thaa oosae nazar na lagae

Has given to the whole humanity, so that an evil eye may not befall him

Bana haye aiyshe Thajammul Hussain Khaan kae liyae

For the enjoyment of Thajammul Hussein Khan

Zabaan pae baare-khudaayah! Yeh kiska naam aaya

On my tongue oh God! whose name did come up

Kae maere nukhaq nae boase maeri zubaan kae liyae

That my language kissed for the sake of my tongue

Zamana ahad mae ooske mahoove – aaraish

In the worldly promise of his is this lyrical adornment

Banaenge aur sithaare ab aasmaan kae liyae

Formation of new stars will be now for the sake of firmament

Varakh thamaam huva aur madah baaqee haye

The pages are complete but complaint is not yet finished

Safeena chaahiye iss bahare-baekraan kae liyae

A boat is necessary for the sake of shoreless ocean

Adaaye-khaas sae ‘Ghalib’ huva haye nukh-thasaraa

With this new art ‘Ghalib’ has become an artful critic

Salaye-aam haye yaaraane-nukhthadaan kae liyae

The invitation to the people is for the sake of fulsome praise

*****

26.             Dhamkee mae mar gaya joe, na babae – nabard thaa

In terror that one dies, was not a brave warrior, it was

Ishqe – nabard – paesha thalabgaare-mard thaa

Loves brave soldier desirous man it was

Thaa zindagee mae marg ka khatka lagaa huva

In life death was staring in the face

Oodnae sae paeshthar bhee maera rang zard thaa

Even before vanishing my colour yellow it was

Thaaleefe nooskha haaye-wafa kar rahaa thaa maye

Compiling a treatise of moaning sincerety, doing that I was

Mahmoova-ye-khayaal abhee fard-fard thaa

Collected thoughts still in fragments it was

Dil thaa jigar keh saahile – dariyaaye – khoon

Heart until then, beach of the liver, the ocean of blood it is now

Iss rahguzar mae jalwa – ye – gul aagae gird thaa

In this existence splendid rose desolate as dust it was

Jaathee haye koyee kash-ma-kash andoahae ishq kee

Abandon does the wrangling to and fro anxiety of love ?

Dil bhee agar gaya thoe wahee dil ka dard thaa

Even if heart was lost the same pain of broken heart it was

Ahbaab chaar-saazi-ye-vahshat na kar sakae

Dear ones consoling terror could not be overcome

Zindaan mae bhee khayaal bayaabe-nabard thaa

In prison too, thoughts, wandering over wilderness it was

Yeh laash bae-kafan ‘Asad’-khastha-jaan kee haye

This corpse without a shroud is of wounded ‘Asad’

Haq maqfirath karae ajab aazad mard thaa

Let truth be pardoned, a strange self willed man it was

27.             Na huvee gar maere marnae sae thasallee naa sahee

Did not, from death, consolation draw, so it be

Imthihaan aur bhee baakhee hoe thoe yeh bhee naa sahee

Tests there are others, left to be conducted, so it be

Khaar-khaarae aalamae-hasrathe-deedar thoe haye

Thorny barbed anguish, desire to confront is there

Shoukh gulcheene-gulisthaane thasallee naa sahee

No zeal of gardner no rose garden as consolation, so it be

Mayae-parasthaan! khoome-mayae munh sae lagaayae hee banae

A drunkard! a large jar to the mouth attached lay

Yek din gar na huva bazm mae saaqee naa sahee

One day even if there were no wine server in the assembly, so it be

Nafs-ye-khais keh haye chashmo-charaage sahraa

From the breath of Khais (Majnu) is lit the lamp of wilderness

Gar naheen shamaa siyahakhana-ye-laila naa sahee

Even if there were not be a candle in the dark night so it be

Yek hangaame peh maufouq haye ghar kee raunaq

In one tumult dependant is the brightness of the home

Nauha-ye-gham hee sahee nagma-ye-shaadee naa sahee

Lamenting agony it be, not the song of marriage so it be

Na sathaaish ki thamanna naa silae kee parwah

No desire for encomniums or care for rewards

Gar naheen haye maere ishaar mae maani naa sahee

If my poetry is without meaning, so it be

Ishrath sohbathae – khoobaan hee ghaneemath samjhoe

The pleasure of being near beloved consider a blessing

Na huvee ‘Ghalib’ agar umre – thabyee naa sahee

Even if ‘Ghalib’ such pleasure was not natural but forced, so it be

*****

28.             Gham naheen hoatha haye aazaadoan koe baesh-az-yek-nafs

Grief does not become, for free superior souls

Burq sae karthae hain roashan shamaaye – maathamqana ham

With lightning light the lamp of mourning house do we

Mahfilain barham karae hain ganjafar baaze – khayaal

Assemblies get inflamed treasure house of thoughts

Hain warakh-gardaani-ye-naurange-yek-boothkhaana ham

Like loose leaf fallen desultorily in abandoned temples do we

Baavajoodae yek jahaan hangaama paidaayi naheen

For existence in the world, tumult is not born

Hain chiraagaane-shabisthaane dilae-parwaana ham

Illuminating lights of bed chamber become hearts butterfly do we

Zouf sae haye, nae khanaath sae, yeh tharke – justhajoo

Due to infirmity, not from abstinence, this abandonment of enquiry

Hain vabaale-thakiya-gaahae-himmath-mardaana ham

Misfortunes of abode of a faqir, contain courageous manhood, do we

Daaymal habs ismae hain laakhoan thamannayaen ‘Asad’

Imprisoned for life in this lakhs of desires ‘Asad’

Jaanthae hain seena-ye-parkhoon koe zinda khaana ham

We know for the proud breasted, prison house, do we

*****

29.             Kaabae mae jaa rahaa, thoe na doe thaana, kya kahaen

To kaaba I was proceeding, do not taunt, what to say

Bhoola hoon haquae – sohbathe – ahlae kunishth koe?

Forgotten have I the association with entire kunishth (parsi fire – temple) ?

Thaath mae thaa rahae na mayae-vo-angabeen ki laag

Obedience to the end, no attachment for wine and honey

Doazaq mae daal doe koyee laekar bihishth koe

Do cast in Hell, some one taking this Heaven

Hoon munharif na kyoon rah-vo-rasmae-sawaab sae

I am a non conformist no stranger to tradition of reward

Thaeda laga haye khath khalam-ye-surnavishth koe

Crooked appears the letter penned, to the document writer

Aayee agar balaa thoe jagah sae talee naheen

If misfortune came did not stir from the place

Aeraahi dae kae hamne bachaaya tha kishth koe

By inserting the seal had I saved the check (in chess)

‘Ghalib’ kuch apnee sayee sae lahnaa naheen mujhae

‘Ghalib’ with my effort there is no profit for me

Khirman jalae agar na malaq khaaye kishth koe

Harvest will burn if locusts do not eat the cornfield

*****

30.             Naqsh-fariyaadee haye kis kee shoukhi-ye-thahreer kaa

Painting a grievance, where pleasure of writing it is?

Kaagazee haye pairahan har paikarae – thasweer kaa

Delicacy is the apparel of every portrait it is

Kaavu-kaavae sakhth jaani-haaye thanhaayee na pooch

Diligent search, strictly by painful solitude, do not ask

Subah karna shaam ka, laana haye joo-ye-shaer kaa

Morning do what is done at eve, is to bring rivers of milk it is

Jazba-ye-be-iqthiyaare-shaukh daekha chahiyae

Pride of irresponsible longing should be seen

Seena-ye-shamsheer sae baahar haye dam shamsheer kaa

Out side the bosom of the sword, the edge of sword it is

Aagahee damae shaneedan jis khadar chaahae bichayae

Knowledge however worthy of hearing do spread

Muddaa anqaa haye apnae aalamae – thakhreer kaa

Wish is hard to find in my learned discourse it is

Bus kae hoon ‘Ghalib’ aseeri mae bhee aathish zarae – paa

Although I am ‘Ghalib’, in prison with fire under my feet

Moo – ye – aathish deedah haye halqa maere zanjeer kaa

Hair burnt, eyes are drooping, from my chains it is

*****

31.             Milthee haye khoo-ye-yaar sae naar ilthihaab mae

Receive do I from beloved’s habits, the fire of hell

Kaafir hoon gar na milthee hoe raahath azaab mae

Athiest I am, if I am not to receive repose in punishment

Kab sae hoon kya bathaavun jahaane-kharaab mae

From when I am, what do I show, in this depraved world

Shabha-ye-hijr koe bhee rakhoon gar hisaab mae

The night, oh pity of parting too were I to take in account

Thaa phir na inthizaar mae neend aayae oomr-bhar

Untill, again in waiting, sleep were not to come till end of life

Aanae ka oohad kar gayae aayae joe khwaab mae

To come has she promised, the one who comes in my dreams

Khaasid kae aathe-aathe khath yek aur likh rakhoon

While the letter bearer is arriving, let me pen one more letter

Maye jaantha hoon joe voh likhaenge jawaab mae

I know what they have written to me in reply

Mujh thak kab oonki bazm mae aathaa tha bazme jaam

Towards me in that assembly did come round (cups of wine)

Saaqee nae kuch milaa na diayaa hoa sharaab mae

The wine server (saaqi) as if has added something in the wine

Joe munkir wafa hoe, faraeb oos pae kya chalae

Who turns round from loves abode, deception on him can do

Kyoon badgumaan hoon doasth sae dushman kae baab mae

Why mistrustful I am with friends in affairs of enemies

Maye muztharib hoon vasl mae khaufe-raqeeb sae

Why I am agitated in union, in terror of rivals

Daala haye thumko vaham nae kis paecho-thaab mae

Has laid you because of suspicion in what perplexity

Maye aur hazze-vasl khuda saaz baath haye

Me and taste of union, God making the words

Jaan nazr daeni bhool gaya iztheraab mae

Animation as if failed to bestow in distraction

Haye thaevaree chadee huvee andar nikhaab kae

A scowl is mounting inside the veil

Haye ek shikan padee huvee tharfe-nikhaab mae

A wrinkle is appearing in the corner of the veil

Laakhoan lagaavu, yek churaana nigaah ka

Lakhs of attachments, in one stolen glance has

Laakhoan banaav, yek bigadna ithaab mae

Lakhs of adornments, spoiled in one reproof

Voh naala dil mae khas kae baraabar jagah na paaye

That lamentation in the heart like the husk does not find a space

Jis naalae sae shigaf padae aafthaab mae

In which lamentation cracks appear in the Sun

Voh saehar muddaa – thalbee mae naa kaam aayae

That magic in fulfillment of a complaint is of no use

Jis saehar sae safeena rawaan hoe saraab mae

Which magic a boat would sail in a mirage

‘Ghalib’ chootee sharaab par ab bhee kabhee – kabhee

Ghalib release from spirits but even now at times

Peetha hoon roaze – aabroo shaboe maah thaab mae

Do I drink when the days are cloudy and in moonlit nights

32.             Kab voh suntha haye kahaani maeree

When will he listen to the story of mine

Aur phir voh bhee zubaani maeree

Also again, that too, from lips of mine

Khalish – ye – gamza – ye – khuna – raez na pooch

Prickly coquetry its addiction do not ask

Daekh khoo naaba – fishaani maeree

See tears of blood spreading of mine

Kya bayaan karke maera roayaenge yaar

What after relating my story lament my friends

Magar aashuftha – bayaani maeree

If not made up accounts of mine

Hoon zae – khood – raftha – ye – baidaaye khayaal

I am conceited lost in a dream world of thoughts

Bhool jaana haye nishaani maeree

To be forgotten is the very mark of mine

Muth-tha khaabil haye mukhabil maera

Unworthy of contest is my competitor

Rook gaya daekh rawaani maeree

Did stop on his track seeing fluency of mine

Khadre – sange – sare – rah rakhtha hoon

Valued weighty head of customs I possess

Saqth – arzaan haye giraani maeree

Very low priced is the heaviness of mine

Gard – baade – rahae – baethaabee hoon

Pleadged to wine drinking on path of agitation I am

Sar sarae – shaukh haye baani maeree

Cold violent windy ardour is disposition of mine

Dahaan ooska joe na maaloom huva

Ambition is of that which was not understood

Khul gayee heechmadaani maeree

Opened up worthless ignorance of mine

Kar diya zuuf nae aajiz ‘Ghalib’

Has made feebleness helpless ‘Ghalib’

Nange-peeri haye jawaani maeree

Penniless old age is the youth of mine

33.             Daekhkar dar parda garme daaman afshaani mujhe

Seeing the concealed warm (pallav) spreading to me

Kar gayee waabasth-ye-than maeri ooriyaani mujhe

It made my open dependence of body naked to me

Ban gaya thaege – nigaahe – yaar kae sange – fasaan

It became sword edged beloved’s glance grinding stone

Marhaba mae! kya mubaarak haye gir anjaanee mujhe

Bravo me! How auspicious is precious lover to me

Kyun na hoe baeilthifaathi ooski khathir jamaa haye

Why not, inattentive, for her sake, assemble

Jaantha haye mahve – pursish – haaye pinhaani mujhe

He knows fascinated in enquiery alas concealed to me

Maere gamkhwane ki khismath jab rakham hoanae lagee

My suppressing griefs fate when was reduced to figure

Likh diya mizumaal – ye – asbaabe – veerani mujhe

It was written as destitutes baggage of desolation to me

Badgumaan hoatha haye voh kaafir na hoatha kaash kae

Suspicious becomes that infidel, were he not to be

Iss khadar zauke – nava – ye – murge – busthaani mujhe

In this way delighted singing bird of garden to me

Waaye vaan bhee shore-mahshar nae na dum laene diya

Alas! There too the noise of day of resurrection did not allow me to breathe

Lae gaya tha goar mae zauke – thanasaani mujhe

Had taken to the grave with pleasure indolent my body to me

Vaada aane ka wafa keeje yeh kya andaaz haye !

The promise to come you fulfilled, what a manner it is!

Thumne kya soanpee haye maere ghar ki darbaani mujhe

Why you have entrusted my abodes door keeping to me

Haan nashaathe – aamade – fasle – bahaari vaah vaah

Yes the pleasure of on coming spring, excellent

Phir huva haye thaaza sauda – ye – gazal – khwaani mujhe

Once again to sing a new ode desire has risen in me

Dee maere bhai koe huq nae uz sare-nau zindagee

Did give to my brother providence a new lifetime

Mirza Yoosuf haye ‘Ghalib’ Yoosufe – saani mujhe

Mirza Yousuf is ‘Ghalib’ (prophet) Yusuf equal to me

*****

34.             Gham khaane mae boada dilae- naakaam bahuth haye

In bearing pain faint heart is unsuccessful as well

Vah ranj keh kam haye mayae – gulfaam bahuth haye

This pain is lessened that wine is red coloured as well

Kahthae huvae saaqee sae haya aathee haye varna

Saying that to the wine server (saaqi) shame that comes otherwise

Haye yoon keh mujhe dard-thahe-jaam bahuth haye

It is so that for me under the sediments wine there is as well

Nae theer kamaan mae haye, na sayyaad kameen mae

Not in bow and arrow there is, nor hunter in ambush

Goshae mae kafas kae mujhe aaraam bahuth haye

In the privacy of the prison I have good respite as well

Kya zoohad koe maanoon ki na hoe garchae riyaayee

What abstinence I accept if I were not to be freed

Padaash-ye-amal kee thama-ye-khaam bahuth haye

Reward for habit of taking intoxicants greed is vain as well

Haye ahale khirad kiss rawsh-ye-khaas pae naazaan?

Are the intelligent people of which special custom so proud?

Pa basthagee-ye-rasmo-rahae-aam bahuth haye

Obstruction of common habits and customs is there as well

Zam zam hee pae choedo kya thaufe-haram sae?

By the well of zam-zam do leave me or going around kaaba?

Aalooda bae mayae jaama-ye-ahraam bahuth haye

Separate from wine the Aharam (white garment) as well!

Haye qahar ki ab bhi na banae baath ki oonkoe

If indignation there is even now it won’t convince her

Inkaar naheen aur mujhe ibraam bahuth haye

If I refused there is not to me beseeching as well

Khoon hoe kae jigar aankh sae tapka naheen aye marg

Turning into blood did not from eyes drop oh death

Rahnae dae mujhe yaan keh abhee kaam bahuth haye

Let me be here, still there is much work as well

Hogaa koyee aisaa bhi kae ‘Ghalib’ koe na jaane

Is there any one who does not ‘Ghalib’ know

Shaair thoe voh achcha haye pa badnaam bahuth haye

Poet he is good one but infamous as well

*****

35.             Diya haye dil agar oosko, bashar haye, kya kahiyae

Gave the heart to her, a mortal, what to say

Huva raqeeb thoe hoe, namabar haye kya kahiyae,

He is the rival so what, the bearer he is, what to say

Yeh zid keh aaj na aayae aur aayae bin na rahae

This obstinacy that today she may not come, yet cannot avoid coming

Khazaa sae shikwa hamain kis khadar haye kya kahiyae

With fate is my complaint what type it is, what to say

Rahae haye yoon gah-vo-begaha keh khoo ye-dost koe ab

That is how it is from time to time the lane of friend now

Agar na kahiye keh dushman ka ghar haye, kya kahiyae?

If not say the enemies house it is, what to say?

Zihae karishma keh yoon dae rakhaa haye humko faraeb

Just see the charm that has given me such deception

Keh bin kahae hee oonhaen sab khabar haye, kya kahiyae

That without saying anything she knows everything, what to say

Samajh kae karthae hain baazaar mae voh pursishe-haal

Knowingly they do in the market enquire about my condition

Ki yeh kahae keh sarae-rahguzar haye kya kahiye

For this may be said that homeless pedestrian I am what to say

Thumhaen naheen haye sare-rishtha-ye-wafa ka khayaal

To you there isn’t the relationship of fidelities thoughts

Hamaare haath mae kuch haye, magar haye kya? Kahiyae!

In my hand is some thing, but what it is? What to say!

Oonhaen sawaal pae zaame-junoon haye kya ladiye?

To her from questions arrogance of fury, why fight?

Hamaen jawaab sae khath-ye-nazar haye, kya kahiyae

To me from answers disregard for disappointment, what to say

Hasad saza-ye-kamaale-sukhan haye kya keejae!

Causing envy deserving punishment is the poetry, what to do!

Sitham baha-ye-mathaaye-hunar haye kya kahiyae!

Tyrannical flow of valuable skill it is, what to say!

Kaha haye kisne keh ‘Galib’ buraa naheen laikin

Said some one that ‘Ghalib’ is not bad, but

Sivaaye iskae keh aashuftha-sar haye, kya kahiyae

Except this, that confused minded he is, what to say.

*****

36.             Masjid kae zaere-saaya kharabaath chaahiyae Below the mosques shadow a tavern there should be

Bhaun paas aankh, khibla-ye-haajaath! chaahiye Eye near the eyebrows, desire for kibla! (kaaba) there should be

Aashiq huvae hain aap bhi ek aur shaqs par Enamoured you too have become of some other person

Aakhir sitham kee kuch thoe mukhafaath chaahiye After all of injustice too some pain and care there should be

Dae daad-aye-falak dile-hasrath-parasth kee Give some credit oh creater to this devoted adoring heart

Haan kuch-na-kuch thalaafi-ye-maafaath chaahiye Yes sir, ever so little as prodigality compensation there should be

Seekhae hain muhrukhon-kae-liyae ham musavvaree For the benefit of flippants I have learnt pet-talk

Thakreeb kuch thoe bahare-mulaakaath chaahiye Whatever be the occasion, association there should be

Mayae sae gharaz kashaath haye kis roosiyah koe From wine the selfish joy seeker where is disgraced

Ek goona be khudie mujhe din raath chaahiye A form of ecstasy to me, day and night there should be

Haye range laala-au-gul-vo-nasreen judaa judaa The colour of tulip, or rose, or wildrose are different

Har rang mae bahaar ka isbaath chaahiye In every colour the spring’s affirmation there should be

Sar-pa-ye-khoom peh chaahiye hangama-baekhudee To be deadly drunk is necessary uproariously delirious

Roosoo-ye-khibla waqthe-munajaath chaahiye Face in the direction of (kaaba) khibla while praying there should be