From the Persian of Hafiz II
Of Paradise, O hermit wise,
Let us renounce the thought.
Of old therein our names of sin
Allah recorded not.
Who dear to God on earthly sod
No corn—grain plants,
The same is glad that life is had,
Though corn he wants.
Thy mind the mosque and cool kiosk,
Spare fast, and orisons;
Mine me allows the drink—house,
And sweet chase of the nuns.
O just fakeer, with brow austere,
Forbid me not the vine;
On the first day, poor Hafiz clay
Was kneaded up with wine.
He is no dervise, Heaven slights his service,
Who shall refuse
There in the banquet, to pawn his blanket
For Schiraz’s juice.
Who his friend’s shirt, or hem of his shirt,
Shall spare to pledge,
To him Eden’s bliss and Angel’s kiss
Shall want their edge.
Up, Hafiz; grace from high God’s face
Beams on thee pure;
Shy then not hell, and trust thou well,
Heaven is secure.
