Ghazal 159

The coin of the Sufi is not always pure and free of alloy —

many a cloak there is that deserves the fire.

Our Sufi, who became drunk from the dawn litany —

watch him at evening, for he will be in high spirits.

It would be good if the touchstone of experience came to the middle,

so that whoever has alloy in him would be exposed.

If the cupbearer's down casts such a design upon water,

many a cheek will be traced with bloody tears.

The pampered darling of luxury cannot find the way to the friend —

love is the style of affliction-bearing rends.

How long will you eat the grief of this base world? Drink wine —

it is a pity that a wise heart should be troubled.

The wine-seller will take Hafez's cloak and prayer-rug

if his wine comes from the hand of a moon-faced cupbearer.