Ghazal 267

O breeze, if you pass by the shore of the river Aras,

kiss the earth of that valley and make your breath fragrant as musk.

The dwelling of Salma — may a hundred greetings reach her every moment from us —

you will find it full of the camel-drivers' calls and the sound of bells.

Kiss the howdah of the beloved, then in supplication present:

I am burning from your separation, O merciful one — come to my aid.

I who used to call the counsel of advisors the speech of the lute —

I have seen such a lesson from separation that this is counsel enough for me.

Take the pleasure of the night, drink wine — for on the path of love

the night-travelers have a friendship with the chief of the watch.

Love-play is no child's play, O heart — risk your head,

for the ball of love cannot be struck with the polo-stick of whim.

The heart willingly surrenders life to the beloved's drunken eye —

though the sober ones never gave their free will to anyone.

The parrots are enjoying themselves in the sugar-land,

while the wretched fly beats its head in envy.

If the name of Hafez should rise on the tongue of the friend's pen,

from the presence of the king, this is petition enough for me.