Poem #225

Cupbearer, tales of cypress, rose, and tulip fill the air

this discourse flows like water washers bear with utmost care.

Give wine! The garden's bride has reached beauty's utmost height

now success depends upon the matchmaker's cunning art and might.

All India's parrots will turn sugar-breakers in delight

from this Persian candy traveling to Bengal's exotic sight.

See how poetry traverses space and time in its sacred art

this child crosses in one night what takes a year to start!

Behold those magic eyes that make the pious go astray

the caravan of sorcery follows in her wake each day.

Don't stray from the path for this world's coquettish display

this old hag sits in deceit and tricks you on your way.

Spring's wind blows from the royal rose garden fresh and fair

while dew turns wine within the tulip's cup with tender care.

Hafez, long for Sultan Ghiyath al-Din's royal hall

but don't forget your work flows from your lamentation's call.