Ghazal 46

A rose in the arms, wine in hand, and the beloved at my will —

on such a day the sultan of the world is my slave.

Say: bring no candle to this gathering tonight,

for in our assembly the moon of the friend’s face is full.

In our creed, wine is lawful — yet

without your face, O rose-bodied cypress, it is forbidden.

My ear is all upon the reed’s voice and the harp’s melody —

my eye is all upon the ruby lip and the turning of the cup.

In our gathering, mix no perfume — for

every moment from your tresses, our senses are filled with fragrance.

Speak nothing of the sweetness of candy or sugar,

for my desire is satisfied by your sweet lips.

As long as the treasure of your grief dwells in this ruined heart,

my abode is always the tavern quarter.

Of shame, what shall I say? — for my name comes from shame!

And of name, why ask? — for I am ashamed of my name!

We are drunkards, bewildered, rends, and gazers at beauty —

and whoever in this city is not like us — who is that?

Do not speak ill of me to the watchman, for he too

is always, like us, in pursuit of everlasting pleasure.

Hafez! Do not sit without wine and a beloved for a moment,

for these are the days of rose and jasmine and the feast of fasting.