Ghazal 121

Whoever has a collected mind and a graceful beloved —

happiness has become his companion, and fortune sits beside him.

The threshold of love's sanctuary stands far above reason —

only one who carries his soul in his sleeve may kiss that threshold.

Her tight, sweet mouth — is it perhaps the realm of Solomon?

For the seal-design of her ruby lip holds the world beneath its signet.

Ruby lip and musky down — since she has both this and that,

I praise my beloved, whose beauty holds both that and this.

Do not look with contempt, O wealthy one, upon the weak and frail,

for the seat of honor at the feast of pleasure holds a roadside beggar.

While you are upon the face of the earth, count your strength a windfall,

for the turning of time holds many a weakness beneath the ground.

The prayer of the wretched is the talisman that wards off harm to body and soul —

who will see good from that harvest which feels shame before its gleaner?

O breeze, from my love convey a hint to that sovereign of beauties,

who holds a hundred Jamshids and Kay Khosrows as the least of slaves.

And if she says: I don't want a penniless lover like Hafez —

tell her: A king always has a beggar sitting beside him.