Ghazal 312

Good tidings, for safety has alighted at Dhi Salam —

to God be the praise of one who acknowledges the utmost blessing.

Where is that bearer of good news who gave tidings of this victory? —

that I may scatter soul like gold and silver at his feet.

From the king's return in this wondrous abode,

the enemy's intent has gone to the pavilion of nonexistence.

The oath-breaker will inevitably become broken in state —

for covenants, in the sight of the king of wisdom, are sacred bonds.

He sought mercy from the cloud of hope — but

except for his eye, nothing openly released moisture.

He fell in the Nile of grief — the sky said to him mockingly:

Now you regret — and what use is regret?

Since the cupbearer was a moon-faced friend and one of the people of secrets,

Hafez drank wine — and the sheikh and the jurist too.