Ghazal 126

The soul, without the beloved's beauty, has no desire for the world —

whoever does not have this, truly does not have that.

With no one have I seen a sign of that heart-stealer —

either I have no news, or she has no sign.

Every dewdrop on this path is a hundred seas of fire —

alas, this riddle has no explanation or expression.

The resting-place of peace cannot be let go —

O camel-driver, slow down, for this road has no end.

The bent-backed harp calls you to pleasure —

listen, for the counsel of elders does you no harm.

O heart, learn the way of the rend from the morals-police —

he is drunk, yet no one suspects him of it.

The tale of Qarun's treasure, which time scattered to the wind —

read it into the ear of the heart, so it hides no gold.

Even if the rival is a candle, conceal your secrets from him,

for that shameless one, though beheaded, has no bond upon his tongue.

No one in the world has a servant like Hafez,

for no one in the world has a king like you.