Ghazal 90

O hoopoe of the dawn-breeze, I send you to Sheba —

see from where to where I am sending you.

It is a pity that a bird like you should be in the dust-bin of grief —

from here I send you to the nest of faithfulness.

On the road of love there is no station of near and far —

I see you clearly, and I send you prayers.

Each morning and evening, a caravan of good prayers

I send you in the company of the north wind and the breeze.

Lest the army of your grief lay waste the realm of my heart,

I send you my own dear life as a melody.

O you absent from sight, who have become the companion of my heart —

I speak prayers to you and send you praise.

In your own face, contemplate the handiwork of God,

for I send you a God-reflecting mirror.

So that minstrels may inform you of my longing,

I send you verse and ghazal set to music and melody.

Cupbearer, come — for the voice of the unseen told me gladly:

Be patient with the pain, for I send you the cure.

Hafez, the song of our assembly is in praise of you —

hurry! For I send you horse and robe.