Ghazal 464

The work of your beauty has reached perfection, as has my love —

be happy, for neither of these two will decline.

It does not fit the imagination — that in the conception of reason

there could come, in any meaning, a lovelier example than this.

The share of life is gained — if with you

ever in a lifetime, one day union becomes our portion.

That moment when I am with you, one day is a year —

and that moment when I am without you, one instant is a year.

When, O beloved, I see the image of your face in sleep —

my eye sees nothing from sleep except this image.

Have mercy on my heart — for from the love of your lovely face,

my feeble form has become thin as the crescent moon.

Hafez, do not complain — if you want union with the friend,

you must bear much more patience with separation.