Ghazal 194

When jasmine-scented ones settle, they settle the dust of grief —

when fairy-faced ones contend, they take repose from the heart.

When they bind hearts to the saddle-strap of cruelty, they bind them —

when they release souls from the ambergris tresses, they scatter them.

In a lifetime, when they sit with us for one breath, they rise —

when they rise, they plant the sapling of longing in the mind.

When they find the tears of the recluses, they find pearls —

they will not turn the face of love from the dawn-risers, if they know.

From my eye, when they laugh ruby-red, pomegranate tears rain —

from my face, when they see the hidden secret, they read it.

Whoever thinks the cure of the lover's pain is simple —

they are baffled by the thoughts of those who seek a remedy and remain baffled.

Like Mansur, those whose desire they fulfill, they raise upon the gallows —

when they summon Hafez to this court, they drive him away.

In this presence, when lovers bring their need, they bring their pride.