Ghazal 328

Who am I, that I should pass through that fragrant mind?

You show such kindness — O dust of your door, crown of my head.

O charmer, who taught you the nurturing of servants? Tell me —

for I never suspected this of your rivals.

Make your aspiration the escort of my path, O holy bird —

for long is the road to the goal, and I am a new traveler.

O breeze of the dawn, convey my servitude —

and do not forget me at the time of the dawn prayer.

Blessed that day when I pack my load from this station,

and companions ask news of me from the head of your lane.

Hafez, it is fitting — if in seeking the pearl of union

I make my eye a sea of tears and dive into it.

The foundation of verse is high and world-conquering — speak,

that the king of the sea may fill my mouth with pearls.