An omen from Hafez
Ghazal 353
I will not forsake the love of the fair one and the cup;
a hundred times I have repented, and now I do so no more.
The garden of Paradise, the shade of Tuba, the palace and the houri —
I will not hold them equal to the dust of the Friend's own lane.
The teaching and lesson of the men of insight is a single sign;
I spoke a hint, and I will not repeat it over again.
Never do I come to any knowledge of my own self,
until within the tavern I raise up my head.
The counsellor said, in mockery: 'Go, forsake love';
there is no need of quarrel, brother — I will not do it.
This piety is enough — that with the fair ones of the town
I play not the coy and the wanton upon the pulpit's height.
Hafez, the court of the Magian Elder is a place of fortune;
I will not forsake the kissing of the dust of this door.