Poem #404

Look not upon the libertines with glance more critical than this;

Nor pass the tavern door with scorn, or stride more haughtily than this.

The kindness that your ruby lip commands for me is sweet and good,

But ah! A little more of love would be far better yet than this.

To him whose wisdom can untie the tangled knot of worldly care,

Say: "In this matter of the heart, advise a method better than this."

My counselor spoke: "What skill has Love, save sorrow, pain, and endless grief?"

I said: "Go, wise and learned sir! Is there an art better than this?"

If I give not my heart to him, that precious youth, what shall I do?

Time's mother never bore a son, nor will she, better made than this.

When I advise: "Drink deep the wine, and kiss the Cupbearer's sweet lip,"

Hear me! For no one in the world can speak a wisdom better than this.

The reed of Hafez yields a sweet, a sugar-cane of verse to pick;

In all the garden of the arts, you will not find fruit better than this.