Ghazal 144

You can gaze into the secret of Jam's cup only then

when you can make the dust of the tavern the kohl of your eye.

Do not be without wine and minstrel, for beneath heaven's vault

you can drive grief from the heart with this melody.

The rose of your desire will lift its veil only then

when you can serve it like the morning breeze.

Begging at the tavern door is a wondrous alchemy —

if you practice this art, you can turn dust to gold.

With the resolve of love's journey, set a step forward,

for great profit you'll gain if you can make this trip.

You who do not go outside the house of nature —

how can you pass through the lane of the spiritual path?

The beloved's beauty has no veil or curtain, but

settle the dust of the road so you can see.

Come, for the remedy of the joy of presence and the order of affairs

you can achieve through the grace of the people of vision.

But as long as you desire the beloved's lip and the cup of wine,

do not imagine that you can do anything else.

O heart, if you find awareness from the light of guidance,

like the candle, laughing, you can give up your head.

If you heed this kingly counsel, Hafez,

you can pass along the highway of truth.