Ghazal 395

Make a veil for the rose-petal from the musky hyacinth —

that is, cover your face and lay the world in ruin.

Shake the sweat from your face and make the garden's surroundings

full of rosewater, like the glass of our eyes.

The days of the rose, like life, have hastened to depart —

cupbearer, hasten to pass around the rose-colored wine.

Open in your own manner the sleep-laden drunken narcissus —

and from envy, put the elegant narcissus to sleep.

Smell the scent of the violet and seize the beloved's tresses —

look at the color of the tulip and make the resolve to drink.

Since it is your custom and habit to slay lovers —

drink cups with the enemies, and with us be reproachful.

Like a bubble, open your eye upon the face of the cup —

and from this bubble, take the measure of this house's foundation.

Hafez seeks union through prayer —

O Lord, answer the prayer of the weary-hearted.