Ghazal 48

From the glow of wine the Sufi learned a hidden secret —

the essence of each soul, from this ruby, one could discern.

Only the bird of dawn knows the worth of the rose’s collection,

for not everyone who reads a page has understood its meaning.

I offered both worlds to my fallen heart —

apart from your love, it knew all the rest to be passing.

Gone now is the time when I feared the common folk —

even the watchman has learned of this secret pleasure.

The beloved did not see our comfort as timely —

otherwise, from our side, she knew there was concern.

Stone and clay are turned to ruby and agate by the grace of a glance —

whoever knew the worth of the breath of the Yemeni wind.

O you who study the verse of love from the ledger of reason —

I fear this subtlety you have not truly known.

Bring wine, for no one boasts of the world’s garden-rose

who has known the plundering of the autumn wind.

This jeweled verse that Hafez drew from his nature —

he knew it was the effect of the nurturing of the second Asaf.