Ghazal 378

We do not speak ill, and we do not incline to injustice —

we do not blacken anyone's garment while dyeing our own cloak blue.

To fault the dervish and the rich for having less or more is wrong —

the wisdom is that we absolutely do not do bad deeds.

We do not mark error on the ledger of knowledge —

we do not append the truth of God to the page of trickery.

If the king does not drink the rends' sip with respect,

we will not turn our attention to his clear, filtered wine.

Let us drive the world pleasantly in the eyes of the travelers —

let us not think of the black horse and the gilded saddle.

The sky breaks the vessel of the people of art —

it is best we do not rely upon this suspended sea.

If an envious one spoke ill and a friend was offended,

tell him: Be at ease — we do not lend ear to the fool.

Hafez, if the rival spoke wrongly, we will not hold it against him —

and if he spoke rightly, let us not dispute the word of truth.