An omen from Hafez
Ghazal 171
Last night from Asaf's presence a herald of glad tidings came,
that from great Solomon's court the sign and pledge of joy had come.
Make clay of the dust of our being with the water that our eyes have shed;
the hour to build has come at last for the ruined dwelling of the heart.
This endless tale they have recounted of the beloved's tress
is but one letter out of thousands that ever came to words.
Cover my failing — beware! — O cloak all stained and steeped in wine,
for that pure one, chaste of skirt, has come to keep his pilgrimage.
Today the rank of each among the fair shall be laid bare,
for that assembly-kindling moon has come to the seat of honour.
On Jamshid's throne, whose crown ascends beyond the vault of heaven,
behold the aspiration — that an ant should come in all its lowliness.
Guard well your faith, O heart, against her mischief-loving eye,
for that bow-drawing sorcerer has come with intent to plunder.
You are stained, O Hafez — beg one grace from the king's own hand,
for that very element of bounty has come to make you clean.
His assembly is an ocean — seize the hour, and gather deep;
take heed, O you who have suffered loss, the hour of gain has come.