An omen from Hafez
Ghazal 274
In the tulip's season take the cup, and be without pretence;
at the rose's breath, be for a moment the breeze's companion.
I bid you not to worship wine the whole year round;
drink wine three months, and nine months be devout.
When the Elder, love's wayfarer, refers you on to wine,
drink, and stand awaiting the mercy of God.
If, like Jamshid, you would reach the secret of the unseen,
come and be the intimate of the world-revealing cup.
Though, like the bud, the world's affair is a fast-shut knot,
be you, like the wind of spring, the loosener of knots.
Seek faith from none; and if you heed not this word,
vainly you seek the Simurgh and the alchemist's stone.
Become not disciple to the piety of strangers, Hafez;
but be the boon-companion of the devout rends.