Ghazal 466

This cloak that I have — it is better in pawn for wine —

and this meaningless book — it is better drowned in pure wine.

Since I have wasted my life — however much I looked —

fallen in the corner of a tavern, ruined is better.

Since prudent calculation is far from the dervish —

both a breast full of fire and an eye full of tears is better.

I will not tell the world the state of the ascetic —

if I tell this tale, with harp and lute is better.

As long as the ways of the sky are headless and footless like this —

in the head the desire for the cupbearer, in the hand wine is better.

From such a heart-holder as you I will not withdraw my heart — indeed —

since I must bear the pain, from those twisting tresses is better.

Since you have grown old, Hafez, come out of the tavern —

debauchery and desire are better in the time of youth.