Ghazal 218

In pre-eternity, whoever was graced with the bounty of fortune —

until eternity, the cup of desire will be the companion of his soul.

The very moment I wished to repent of wine,

I said: If this branch bears fruit, it will be regret.

Even if I throw a prayer-rug over my shoulder like the lily,

like the rose, the color of wine upon my cloak will still be Islam.

Without the lamp of the cup I dare not sit in solitude,

for the corner of the people of heart must be luminous.

Seek high aspiration — say: Let the jeweled cup be gone!

For the rend, the juice of the grape is a pomegranate ruby.

Though our affairs seem disordered, do not take them lightly,

for in this realm, being a beggar is the envy of kings.

If you want a good name, O heart, do not keep company with the bad —

self-satisfaction, my soul, is the proof of ignorance.

An intimate gathering, and spring, and a discussion of verse in the midst —

not to take the cup of wine from the beloved is heavy-spiritedness.

Yesterday a dear one said: Hafez drinks wine in secret —

O my dear! Is that not better — that the fault remain hidden?