Ghazal 154

Strike up a tune through which a sigh can be played —

sing a verse with which a heavy cup can be raised.

If one can lay one's head upon the beloved's threshold,

the cry of exaltation can be struck upon the sky.

Our bent stature may seem slight to you, but

upon the enemies' eyes, arrows from this bow can be shot.

The secrets of love-play cannot fit in the cloister —

the cup of Magian wine can be drunk only with the Magians.

The dervish has no means for the sultan's palace —

we have only an old cloak that can be set on fire.

People of vision gamble two worlds in a single glance —

it is love, and the first bid can be placed on the cash of life.

If the fortune of union should wish to open a door,

heads can be dashed upon that threshold in this hope.

Love and youth and the rend's way are the sum of desire —

when meanings are gathered, the ball of expression can be struck.

Your tresses became the highway robber of well-being, and this is no wonder —

if the robber is you, a hundred caravans can be struck.

Hafez, by the Quran's truth, come back from hypocrisy and pretense —

perhaps the ball of pleasure can be struck in this world.