Ghazal 232

I am resolved, if it is within my power,

to put my hand to a work that will end my grief.

The solitude of the heart is no place for the company of opposites —

when the demon goes out, the angel comes in.

The company of rulers is the darkness of the longest night —

seek light from the sun, that perhaps it may rise.

At the door of the heartless lords of this world,

how long will you sit? When will the master come out?

Do not abandon begging — for you will find a treasure

from the glance of a traveler who passes by.

The righteous and the sinner both displayed their wares —

let us see whose is accepted and whose comes into view.

O nightingale lover, seek long life — for in the end

the garden will become green and the branch of the rose will emerge.

The heedlessness of Hafez in this dwelling is no wonder —

whoever went to the tavern comes back unaware.