Poem #286

Last night a sage, keen-witted and discreet, revealed to me

A secret of the Vintner's trade that I must share with thee.

He said: 'Take matters easy on yourself, for Nature's way is clear

The world bears down on those who strive with burden and with fear.'

He gave a cup whose radiance made the heavens dance and shine

While Venus played her harp and sang: 'Drink deep of this red wine!'

With bleeding heart but laughing lip, be like the goblet red

Not like the harp that wails aloud when struck and soreness bred.

Until you know the secrets that behind the curtain dwell

No angel's message will you hear, nor truth can anyone tell.

Listen, my son, and grieve not for the world's passing show

I've told you pearls of wisdom now, if you have wit to know.

Within Love's sanctuary keep your tongue and speech at rest

Be all eyes and all ears, for silence there is best.

Among the wise who know the truth, boast not of what you know

Speak with true knowledge, or be still, and let your silence grow.

Saki, bring wine! For Hafez's ways are known and understood

By Asaf, Solomon's vizier, the generous and the good.