Ghazal 171

Last night from the court of Asaf, the messenger of good news came —

from the presence of Solomon, the sign of joy came.

Make mud from the dust of our being with the water of tears —

for the ruined house of the heart, the time of rebuilding came.

This endless description they spoke of the beloved's tresses —

it is but one letter of thousands that came into words.

Cover my faults, O wine-stained cloak, beware —

for that pure, pure-skirted one has come for a visit.

Today the place of everyone will be revealed among the beauties,

for that gathering-brightening moon has come to the seat of honor.

Upon the throne of Jam, whose crown is the ascent of the sky,

see what aspiration — that an ant, with all its smallness, came.

From her bold eye, O heart, guard your faith,

for that bow-wielding sorceress has come with intent to plunder.

You are soiled, Hafez — ask a grace from the king,

for that element of generosity has come for purification.

His gathering is an ocean — seize the moment and find the pearl!

Attention, O you who have suffered loss — the time of trade has come.