Ghazal 245

O you speaking parrot of secrets!

May your beak never lack sugar.

May your head be green and your heart happy, forever —

for you showed a fine image of the beloved's line.

You spoke to the companions in riddles —

for God's sake, lift the veil from this mystery.

Splash rosewater from the goblet upon our face,

for we are sleep-dazed, O wakeful fortune!

What mode was this the minstrel struck behind the curtain? —

for drunk and sober are dancing together.

From that opium the cupbearer cast into the wine,

the companions have lost both head and turban.

They do not grant Alexander a drop of water —

by force or gold, this work cannot be accomplished.

Come and hear the state of the people of pain

in few words and much meaning.

The idol of China is the enemy of faith and hearts —

O Lord, protect my heart and faith.

Do not tell the modest ones the secrets of drunkenness —

do not tell the tale of the soul to the image on a wall.

By the fortune of the victorious king, Mansur,

Hafez became a banner in the order of verse.

A lord has done what befits servants —

O Lord, protect him from calamities.