See where the pious deeds are, and see where I am, drunk with wine; behold the distance that separates us, where it begins and where it ends.
What comparison can there be between a libertine such as I, good works, and devotion! What an immense difference between listening to a sermon and the strains of a violin!
My heart turns away from the Mosque; it casts off this cloak of hypocrisy. Show me the tavern—oh, tell me where this clear wine is to be found!
The fair season of my beloved’s presence has passed; may this ravishing memory remain in my mind! But she—she, stirred by vain anger—where has she gone? What has become of her?
An indifferent heart—what pleasure does it find in contemplating the charms of the beloved? What difference is there between extinguished torches and the radiant light of the sun?
Look at that chin, round as an apple, but beware the well dug in the middle of the road. [Oh, my heart, into what perilous path hast thou entered]; where art thou going in such haste?
What comparison can there be between a libertine such as I, good works, and devotion! What an immense difference between listening to a sermon and the strains of a violin!
My heart turns away from the Mosque; it casts off this cloak of hypocrisy. Show me the tavern—oh, tell me where this clear wine is to be found!
The fair season of my beloved’s presence has passed; may this ravishing memory remain in my mind! But she—she, stirred by vain anger—where has she gone? What has become of her?
An indifferent heart—what pleasure does it find in contemplating the charms of the beloved? What difference is there between extinguished torches and the radiant light of the sun?
Look at that chin, round as an apple, but beware the well dug in the middle of the road. [Oh, my heart, into what perilous path hast thou entered]; where art thou going in such haste?
The dust of Thy feet is the sole collyrium for my eyes; where can I withdraw, tell me? In leaving these places, where wouldst Thou have me set my steps?
Ask not Hafiz, then, for calm, sleep, and such things; for what are calm, patience, and sleep to him?
Ask not Hafiz, then, for calm, sleep, and such things; for what are calm, patience, and sleep to him?