Poem #218

Whoever was granted fortune's grace in pre-eternity's dawn

shall have desire's cup as soul companion till eternity's drawn.

The very hour I vowed to quit the wine, repentance called

I said, 'If this branch bears fruit, regret will be installed.'

I resolved to cast my prayer rug like the lily on my back

like the rose, wine-stain my cloak, for that's the Muslim path I track.

Without the wine cup's lamp, in solitude I cannot stay

for people of the heart need corners bright as break of day.

Seek high aspiration, not jeweled cups, I say

for libertines, grape's water is ruby pomegranate's ray.

Though our affairs seem chaotic and disarrayed to sight

take them not lightly—in this land, beggary makes sultans envious of our plight.

O heart, if you seek good repute, don't keep bad company near

self-satisfaction, my dear soul, proves ignorance is here.

In spring's intimate gathering where poetry fills the air between

not taking wine from the beloved shows a spirit mean.

A dear one said, 'Hafez drinks his wine in secrecy'

O friend! Is it not better that such faults stay hidden, don't you agree?