Ghazal 33

One who has chosen solitude — what need has he of spectacle?

When the beloved’s lane exists, what need of the open plain?

O soul, by whatever need you have before God,

at last ask for a moment: what is it we need?

O sovereign of beauty, for God’s sake — we are burning!

At last inquire: what does this beggar need?

We are people of need, but have no tongue for asking —

in the presence of the Generous, what need is there for desire?

No tale is needed if your aim is our blood —

since the goods are already yours, what need of plunder?

The cup that reveals the world is the friend’s bright heart —

to declare one’s need there — what need is there of that?

Gone are the days when I bore the boatman’s debt of gratitude —

now that the pearl is in hand, what need of the sea?

O pretender, go — I have no business with you —

the beloved ones are present; what need of enemies?

O beggar-lover, since the beloved’s life-giving lip

already knows your portion, what need of petition?

Hafez, you conclude — for talent reveals itself —

what need of quarrel and imitation with the pretender?