Ghazal 346

I am not that rend who would abandon the beauty and the goblet —

the morality-guard knows that I am one to do less of such things.

I who have faulted the penitent ones many times —

I would be mad if I repented of wine in the time of the rose.

Love is a pearl and I the diver and the sea is the tavern —

I have plunged my head in there: let us see where I raise it.

The tulip holds a goblet and the narcissus is drunk — and on us falls the name of sin —

I have much dispute — O Lord, whom shall I make my judge?

Pull back the reins for one moment, O my city-disturbing Turk —

that with my tears and face I may fill your road with gold and jewels.

I who have treasures of ruby and pearl from tears —

when would I look at the bounty of the high-starred sun?

Since the breeze washed the collection of the rose with the water of grace,

call me crooked-hearted if I look at the page of any book.

The vow and promise of the sky have not much credit —

I will bind my vow with the flask and make my pact with the goblet.

I who in beggary hold a sultan's treasure in hand —

when would I covet the turning of the base-nurturing sky?

Though I am dust-covered in poverty — shame on my aspiration

if I wet my hem with the water of the sun's spring.

If the beloved's kindness approves of lovers being in fire,

I am narrow-eyed if I look at the spring of Kawthar.

Last night her ruby lip was giving coquetries to Hafez — but

I am not one to believe such tales from her.