Ghazal 381

Though we are servants of the king,

we are the sovereigns of the realm of dawn.

Treasure in the sleeve and purse empty —

the world-revealing cup, and yet the dust of the road.

Sober in the Presence and drunk with pride —

the ocean of Unity, yet drowning in sin.

When the beauty of fortune shows her coquetry,

we are the mirror before her moon-like face.

For the king of wakeful fortune, every night

we are the guardians of the crown and the diadem.

Say: Count our company as a prize —

for you are in sleep and we are watchful.

King Mansur is aware that wherever

we set the face of aspiration,

we make the enemies' blood into shrouds

and give the friends the robe of victory.

The color of deceit is not before us —

we are the red lion and the black serpent.

Tell them to repay Hafez's debt —

you have confessed, and we are witnesses.