Ghazal 198

I said: When will my mouth and your lip find fulfillment?

She said: By my eye — whatever you say, so they shall do.

I said: Your lip demands the tribute of Egypt.

She said: In this transaction they do less harm than you think.

I said: Who has ever found the way to the dot of your mouth?

She said: This is a story they tell to the subtle-minded.

I said: Do not worship idols — sit with the Eternal.

She said: In the lane of love, they do both this and that.

I said: The air of the tavern drives grief from the heart.

She said: Blessed are those who make a heart rejoice.

I said: Wine and cloak are not the way of our creed.

She said: This is what they do in the creed of the Old Magian.

I said: What use has the elder of sweet ruby lips?

She said: By their sugary kiss they make him young.

I said: When does the master go to the bridal chamber?

She said: At the time when Jupiter and the Moon are in conjunction.

I said: Prayer for his fortune is Hafez's litany.

She said: The angels of the seven heavens do this prayer.