Hui taakhir to kuch baais-e-taakhir bhi tha

Yes, there was a delay, but there was also a reason for it; You were on your way, I know, but someone else was holding the reins.

It is wrong of me to blame you for my ruin; In that ruin, there was also a shadow of a kinder fate.

Should you have forgotten me, let me remind you of my place: Once, tied to your saddle-bow, there was a captured prey as well.

Even in this cell, your wild one is haunted by the memory of your hair; And yet, there was also the distinct pain of these heavy chains.

So what if a bolt of lightning flashed before my eyes? You should have spoken; my lips were also parched for a word from you.

I called him Joseph, and thank God he said nothing in reply; For had he taken offense, I was also worthy of punishment.

Why shouldn't I feel a cold comfort, seeing you with my rival? I used to cry out in sorrow, but I was also hoping for a reaction.

There is no shame in our craft, so do not single out Farhad; Among us, the wild-headed lovers, he was also a prince of men.

I stood ready to die, and fine, you did not approach; But surely, in that charmer’s quiver, there was another arrow to spare?

We are held to account, unjustly, for what the angels have written; Was any man on our side present when that record was also made?

You are not the sole master of this art, O Ghalib; They say that in ages past, there was a certain Mir, as well.