Ghazal 41

Although the wine brings joy and the breeze scatters rose petals,

do not drink to the sound of the harp, for the watchman is keen.

A flask and a companion, if they fall into your hand —

drink wisely, for the times are full of mischief.

Hide the cup within the patched sleeve,

for like the flask’s eye, the age is bloodthirsty.

Let us wash our cloaks of wine with the water of our eyes,

for it is the season of piety and the time of abstinence.

Do not seek sweet pleasure from the inverted wheel of heaven,

for the clear wine at the top of this cask is all mixed with dregs.

The risen sky is a blood-sprinkling sieve

whose crumbs are the head of Khosrow and the crown of Parviz.

You have conquered Iraq and Persia with your sweet verse, Hafez —

come, for it is Baghdad’s turn and the time for Tabriz.