Ghazal 423

Last night I went to the tavern door, drowsy with sleep —

my cloak wet-hemmed and my prayer-rug wine-stained.

The Magian youth who sells wine came, sighing with pity —

he said: Wake up, O wayfarer, drowsy with sleep.

Wash yourself, and then proceed to the tavern —

lest this temple be stained by you.

In desire of the sweet lip of youths, how long will you make

the jewel of the spirit stained with molten ruby?

Pass the station of old age in purity, and do not make

the robe of white hair stained like the garment of youth.

Become pure and clear, and come out of the pit of nature —

for water stained with earth gives no clarity.

I said: O life of the world — it is no fault of the rose's register

if it becomes stained by pure wine in the season of spring.

The initiates of the path of love drowned in this deep sea

and were not stained by water.

Hafez said: Do not sell riddles and wit to your friends —

alas for this kindness stained with every kind of reproach.