Ghazal 263

Come and cast our ship in the river of wine —

raise a clamor and commotion in the soul of the old and young.

Cast me into the ship of wine, O cupbearer! —

for they have said: Do good and cast it upon the water.

I have turned away from the tavern's lane in error —

by your grace, cast me once more upon the right path.

Bring a cup of that rose-colored, musk-scented wine —

cast sparks of envy and jealousy into the heart of rosewater.

Though I am drunk and ruined, show some kindness too —

cast a glance upon this bewildered, ruined heart.

If at midnight you need a sun,

lift the veil from the face of the rose-cheeked daughter of the vine.

Do not let them bury me in the earth on the day of my death —

take me to the tavern and cast me into the barrel of wine.

When, like Hafez, the tyranny of the sky brings your heart to the brink,

cast the arrow of a shooting star toward the demon of affliction.