Ghazal 463

The peace of God, as long as the nights return

and the paired verses and the parables respond,

upon the Valley of Arak and those upon it,

and a dwelling by the bend above the sands.

I am the prayer-sayer for the strangers of the world —

and I pray without cease and in succession.

In every station where he turns his face — for God's sake —

keep him by your eternal grace.

Do not lament, O heart — for in the chain of her tresses

all composure is within this disordered state.

From your down, a hundred other beauties were added —

may your life be a hundred years of glory.

It is you who must exist — otherwise, it is easy —

the loss of a capital of rank and wealth.

Blessed be that Painter of Power

who draws a crescent line around the moon.

Your love is my comfort at every moment —

your remembrance is my companion in every state.

The dark core of my heart until Resurrection —

may it never be empty of the longing and desire of you.

Where shall I find union with such a king as you —

I, the ill-famed, rend, and carefree one?

God knows what Hafez's purpose is —

and the knowledge of God suffices me as answer to my question.