Ghazal 481

Hear this point, that you may free yourself from grief:

you will swallow blood if you seek a portion that was not ordained.

In the end you will become the clay of the potters —

for now, think of the jug, that you may fill it with wine.

If you are one of those humans who desire paradise,

make your pleasure with a few fairy-born beauties.

One cannot sit casually in the place of the great —

unless you prepare all the means of greatness.

There will be rewards for you, O sovereign of sweet-mouthed ones,

if you cast a glance toward Farhad the fallen-hearted.

When will your mind receive the inscription of grace? Alas! —

unless from scattered designs you make the page clean.

If you leave your work to generosity, Hafez,

O many a pleasure you will have with God-given fortune.

O breeze, perform the service of Khajeh Jalal al-Din —

that you may fill the world with jasmine and free lilies.