Ghazal 191

Who is it that out of generosity will show us faithfulness?

Who, in place of an evildoer like me, will do one moment's good?

First, with the sound of flute and pipe, bring the heart his message —

then, with one cup of wine, show me faithfulness.

The beloved from whom my soul was worn — my heart's desire never opened from her —

one cannot despair of her; perhaps she will show kindness.

I said: I have not undone a single knot of that tress since I have been.

She said: I have commanded it to practice trickery with you.

The rough-tempered wool-wearer has not heard the scent of love —

tell him a hint of drunkenness, that he may leave sobriety.

For a nameless beggar like me, such a beloved is unlikely —

when does a sultan share hidden pleasure with a market-rend?

From those twisting, curling tresses, it is simple if I endure tyranny —

what care for chains and bonds has anyone who plays the trickster?

The army of grief has grown countless — I ask fortune for aid —

may Fakhr al-Din Abd al-Samad be the one to show compassion.

With her trickster eye, Hafez, do not contend,

for those night-dark tresses of hers play many a trick.