Ghazal 199

The preachers who make such a show at the pulpit and prayer-niche —

when they go to their private chambers, they do that other thing.

I have a problem — ask the scholar of the assembly:

why do those who command repentance themselves repent so little?

Apparently they do not believe in Judgment Day —

for they practice all this fraud and deceit in the affairs of the Judge.

O Lord, show these nouveau-riche their own donkey,

for they put on all these airs with their Turkish slaves and mules.

O beggar of the cloister, arise! For in the Magian temple

they give a water that makes hearts wealthy.

His endless beauty — though it slays lovers —

another company from the unseen raises its head in love.

At the door of love's tavern, O angel, say your praise,

for in that place they are leavening Adam's clay.

At dawn, a cry came from the Throne — Reason said:

Apparently the holy ones are reciting Hafez's verse by heart.