Ghazal 60

That renowned messenger who arrived from the friend’s land

brought an amulet for the soul from the friend’s musky script.

Sweetly he gives report of the friend’s majesty and beauty —

sweetly he tells the tale of the friend’s glory and dignity.

I gave him my heart as a reward, and I bear the shame

of this counterfeit coin of myself I scattered for the friend.

Thanks be to God that by the aid of fortune’s working,

all the business and affairs of the friend are as we desired.

What choice has the sky’s course or the moon’s orbit?

They revolve according to the will of the friend.

If the wind of upheaval should overturn both worlds,

we and the lamp of our eyes and the road of waiting for the friend.

Bring me the jewel-kohl, O morning breeze,

from that blessed dust that became the pathway of the friend.

We are here at love’s threshold with bowed heads —

blessed sleep to whomever it carries into the embrace of the friend.

If the enemy speaks against Hafez, what matter?

Thanks be to God, I am not ashamed before the friend.