An omen from Hafez
Ghazal 346
I am not that rend who would forsake the fair one and the cup:
the censor knows that I commit these deeds the less for his knowing.
I, who have found fault with the repenters a thousand times —
were I to repent of wine in the rose-time, I were mad indeed.
Love is a pearl, and I the diver, and the tavern is the sea:
I have plunged my head down there — to see where I may raise it.
The tulip holds the cup, the narcissus is drunk — and on us the name of vice?
I have a lawsuit, Lord, a heavy one — whom shall I make my judge?
Draw rein one moment, O my Turk who sets the city in tumult,
that I may pave your road with gold and jewels from tears and cheek.
I, who hold whole treasuries of tears of ruby and of pearl,
when should I turn my gaze to the bounty of the high-starred sun?
When the east wind has washed the rose's album with the water of grace,
call my heart crooked, if I glance upon the page of the ledger.
The pledge and covenant of heaven merit no such great regard:
I will make my covenant with the wine-measure, my compact with the cup.
I, who in my beggary hold a Sultan's treasure in my hand,
when should I covet the turning of the base-nursing sphere?
Though I am dust-strewn with poverty, shame upon my aspiration,
if with the water of the sun's own fountain I should wet my skirt.
If the grace of the Friend approve that lovers be set in the fire,
narrow of eye am I, if I glance upon the fountain of Kausar.
Last night her ruby lip was casting coy allure at Hafez, yet
I am not one to give belief to such fables from her lips.