Ghazal 190

Your musky pen, on the day it remembers us,

will earn the reward of two hundred slaves it set free.

The messenger of Salma's dwelling — may he be safe —

what would it cost him if with a greeting he made our heart glad?

Test it — for many a treasure of desire they will give you

if your grace rebuilds a ruin like me.

O Lord, cast it into the heart of that sweet sovereign

to pass in mercy over the head of Farhad.

Better for the king than a hundred years of worship and piety

is the worth of one hour of life in which he gives justice.

For now, the coquetry of your grace has uprooted me —

let us see what foundation your wisdom will lay anew.

Your pure gem has no need of our praise —

what can the cosmetician's craft do with God-given beauty?

We did not find the way to our goal in Shiraz —

blessed be the day Hafez takes the road to Baghdad.