Ghazal 448

O you who have a place in the lane of the tavern —

you are the Jam of your time if you have a cup in hand.

O you who spend night and day with the tresses and face of the beloved —

may you have the chance, for you have a sweet dawn and evening.

O breeze! The scorched ones wait at the roadside —

if you have a message from that traveling friend.

Your verdant mole is a fine seed of pleasure — but

on the edge of its meadow — alas, what a trap you have.

I smell the scent of life from the laughing lip of the cup —

hear it, O master, if you have a sense of smell.

Since at the time of faithfulness you had no constancy,

I give thanks that in cruelty you have permanence.

If a stranger seeks a good name from you — what of it? —

it is you today in this city who have a name.

Many a dawn prayer will be the companion of your soul —

you who have a servant like Hafez, the early-riser.