Ghazal 372

Let us pass through the avenue of the tavern —

for the sake of a sip, we are all in need of this door.

On the first day, when we claimed revelry and love,

the condition was that we would walk no path but that way.

In a place where the throne and seat of Jam are blown to the wind,

if we grieve it is not pleasant — better that we drink wine.

In hope that one might clasp a hand around her waist,

we have sat in the blood of the heart like a red ruby.

O preacher, do not counsel the distracted — for we

will not look at paradise if compared to the dust of the friend's lane.

Since the Sufis are leaders in ecstasy and dance,

we too will raise a hand in sleight.

From your sip, the earth's dust found pearl and ruby —

poor us, who before you are less than dust.

Hafez, since there is no way to the battlement of union's palace,

let us spend our life with the dust of this threshold.