Ghazal 251

It is the night of union, and the letter of separation is folded away —

"Peace be upon it, until the rising of the dawn."

O heart, be steadfast in love,

for on this path no labor is without reward.

I will not repent of revelry,

even if you torment me with rejection and scorn.

Arise, O bright-hearted dawn, for God's sake —

for I see the night of separation so dark.

My heart has gone, and I have not seen the beloved's face —

alas at this tyranny, oh at this torment.

If you want faithfulness, be patient in hardship, Hafez —

for profit and loss are both in the trade.