Ghazal 276

If the gardener desires the rose's company for five days,

he must have the patience of the nightingale with the thorn of separation.

O heart, in the bond of her tresses do not cry of disorder —

when a clever bird falls in the trap, it must have forbearance.

What has the world-burning rend to do with prudent calculation? —

that is the work of kingdoms, which requires planning and reflection.

To rely on piety and knowledge on the path is heresy —

the traveler, though he have a hundred skills, must have trust in God.

With such tresses and such a face, may gazing be forbidden

to whoever desires jasmine-cheeks and hyacinth-curls.

One must endure the pride of those drunken narcissus-eyes —

this mad heart, until it possesses those curls and locks.

O cupbearer, how long this delay in passing the goblet? —

when the round falls among lovers, it must flow without cease.

Who is Hafez, that he would not drink wine without the sound of strings? —

why should the poor lover need such luxury?