Poem #263

Come, cast our boat into the ocean of wine

throw tumult and uproar into the souls of young and old.

Cast me into the boat of wine, O Cupbearer

for they say: 'Do good, and cast it upon the waters.'

I turned from the tavern's quarter in error

by your grace, restore me to the path of righteousness.

Bring a cup of that rose-colored, musk-scented wine

and cast sparks of envy into the heart of the rose-water.

Though I am drunk and ruined, show me some kindness

cast a glance upon this bewildered, ruined heart.

If you need the sun at midnight

cast the veil from the face of the rose-cheeked daughter of the vine.

Do not let them bury me in the earth on the day of my death

carry me to the tavern and cast me into the wine-jar.

When Hafez's soul is weary from the wheel's oppression

cast the meteor's arrow at the demon of despair.