Poem #198

I said: 'When will my mouth meet your lip's grace?'

She said: 'Gladly! Whatever you say, they'll embrace.'

I said: 'Your lip demands great Egypt's price'

She said: 'In this trade, little loss will suffice.'

I said: 'Who found the path to your mouth's mole?'

She said: 'That tale is for the subtle soul.'

I said: 'Don't worship idols. Seek the One.'

She said: 'In love's domain, both paths are done.'

I said: 'The tavern frees the heart from grief'

She said: 'Happy the heart-gladdeners, in brief.'

I said: 'Wine and piety mix not together'

She said: 'The Magian elders know this weather.'

I said: 'What good's sweet lips to the old and gray?'

She said: 'Sweet kisses make them young each day.'

I said: 'When will the lord reach his bridal bed?'

She said: 'When Moon and Jupiter conjoin ahead.'

I said: 'Hafez prays for her fortune's rise'

She said: 'Angels in seven heavens pray likewise.'