Un presagio da Hafez
Ghazal 355
Now I judge the counsel of the hour to be, that I
bear my baggage to the tavern, and there sit down at ease.
I take up the cup of wine, and hold aloof from the folk of hypocrisy —
meaning: from the people of the world I choose one pure of heart.
No friend or companion have I but the flask and the book,
that I may see the fewer of the treacherous crew in this world.
Like the cypress, I raise my head in freedom above the crowd,
if it fall to my hand that I gather my skirt from the world.
So much in my stained cloak have I boasted of righteousness,
that I stand ashamed before the cupbearer's face and the crimson wine.
My straitened breast, and the load of her grief — alas!
my poor heart is no man for so heavy a burden.
Whether I am a rend of the tavern, or the ascetic of the town,
this is the ware you behold in me — and I am less than this.
I am the bondsman of the Asaf of the age; lead not my heart astray,
for if I breathe one word, the sphere will seek to do me harm.
Upon my heart lies the dust of oppressions — Lord, permit it not
that the sun-bright mirror of my love should be dimmed with rust.