Ghazal 269

O heart, the companion of your journey is good fortune — that is enough.

The breeze of the garden of Shiraz is your road's messenger — that is enough.

Do not travel further from the beloved's dwelling, O dervish —

for the spiritual journey and the corner of the monastery is enough for you.

And if a grief opens an ambush from a corner of the heart,

the sanctuary of the Magian elder's threshold is refuge enough for you.

Sit at the head of the tavern bench and drink a cup of wine —

for this much from the world, as gain of wealth and station, is enough for you.

Do not seek excess — make your work easy on yourself:

a flask of ruby wine and an idol like the moon is enough for you.

The sky gives the reins of desire to the ignorant —

you are a person of merit and knowledge — this alone is sin enough for you.

The longing for the familiar home and the covenant of the old friend

is apology enough from travelers who have journeyed far.

Do not accustom yourself to the favors of others — for in two worlds

the pleasure of God and the king's bounty are enough for you.

There is no need for any other litany, O Hafez —

the midnight prayer and the morning lesson are enough for you.