Ghazal 298

A place of safety, pure wine, and a kind companion —

if always available to you, what a blessing!

The world and the world's work are all nothing upon nothing —

a thousand times I have verified this point.

Alas and pain — that until now I did not know

that the alchemy of happiness was a companion, a friend.

Go to a safe haven, and count the opportunity as a prize of time —

for in the ambush of life are highway robbers.

Come — for repentance from the beloved's ruby lip and the cup's laughter

is a tale that reason cannot confirm.

Though the hair of your waist does not reach the likes of me,

my mind is happy from the thought of this subtle fancy.

The sweetness that you have in the well of your chin —

a hundred thousand deep thoughts cannot reach its essence.

If my tears became the color of carnelian, what wonder? —

for the seal of your ruby ring is like carnelian.

With a laugh she said: Hafez, I am the slave of your nature —

see to what extent she mocks me.