Hafiz

       

 

‘With last night’s wine still singing in my head

‘I sought the tavern at the break of day 

;Though half the world was still asleep in bed

The harp and flute were up an in full swing

;And a most pleasant morning sound made they

‘Already was the wine –cup on the wing

“Reason,said I,”’tis past the time to start

‘If you would reach your daily destination

.The holy city of intoxication

So did I pack him off, and he depart

.With a stout flask for fellow- traveler

‘Left to myself,the tavern-wench I spied

‘And sought to win her love by speaking fair

‘Alas! She turned upon me,scornfull-eyed

And mocked my foolish hopes of winning her,

;Said she,her arching eyebrows like a bow

!Thou mark for all the shafts of evil tongues

Thou shalt not round my middle

‘Clasp me so

Like my good girdle-not for all

!Thy songs

So long as thou in all created things

‘Seest but thyself the centre and the end

Go spread thy dainty nets for other wings

Too high the Anca’s nest for thee,my friend

Then took I shelter from that stormy sea

!In the good ark of wine;yet woe is me 

‘Saki and comrade and minstrel all by turns

She is of maidens the compendium

.Who my poor heart in such a fashion spurns

!Self,HAFIZ,self! That must thou overcome

Hearken the wisdom of the tavern

!Daughter

!Vain little baggage-well,upon my word

.Thou fairy figment made of clay and water

.As busy with thy beauty as a bird

Well, HAFIZ, Life’s a riddle

:Give it up

.There is no answer to it but this cup

 

 

R.le Gallienne