Ghazal 338

I am a lover of the fair face and the charming tresses —

intoxicated by the drunken eye and the pure, unadulterated wine.

You said: Tell one word of the secret of the eternal covenant —

I will tell you then, when I have drained two cups.

I am Adam of paradise — but in this journey,

for now I am captive to the love of moon-faced youths.

In love there is no escape from burning and yearning —

I stand like a candle; do not frighten me with fire.

Shiraz is the mine of ruby lips and the quarry of beauty —

I am a penniless jeweler, and thus I am troubled.

From seeing so many drunken eyes in this city,

truly I do not drink wine now, yet I am intoxicated.

It is a city full of the coquetry of houris from all six directions —

I have nothing, otherwise I would buy every one of them.

If fortune aids me to move my belongings toward the friend,

the tresses of the houri will shake dust from my bedding.

Hafez — the bride of my nature desires to show her splendor —

I have no mirror; that is why I sigh.