Ghazal 435

Do not tell the pretender the secrets of love and drunkenness —

let him die unknowing in the pain of self-worship.

Become a lover — otherwise, one day the world's work will end,

and the design of purpose will remain unread from the workshop of existence.

Last night, how sweetly that idol spoke in the assembly of the Magians:

"What business have you with unbelievers, if you do not worship idols?"

My sultan — for God's sake — your tresses broke us —

how long will darkness practice such long-handedness?

In the corner of safety, how can one remain veiled

while your narcissus speaks to us the riddles of drunkenness?

That day I had seen these seditions that arose —

because from arrogance, for a time, you would not sit with us.

Your love will hand Hafez over to the storm —

like lightning, from this struggle, you thought you escaped.