Poem #244

Companions, loose the knots of the Beloved's hair

the night is pleasant, let the tale be fair.

Intimacy reigns, friends gather round

recite the verse, let joy abound.

Rebab and harp cry out in high decree

'Listen, O wise ones, to the mystery!'

By the Friend's soul, grief shall not tear the veil

if you trust in Grace that will not fail.

Between the lover and the Beloved, a span

if She shows pride, implore her like a man.

The Elder's first advice is simply this

'Avoid the company that leads amiss.'

He who is not alive with Love's sweet breath

pray for him now, before his actual death.

If Hafez seeks a favor from your hand

refer him to the lip of that sweet land.