Classic Poem

A goodly saying have I heard, Of Canaan's patriarch grey bespoken;
" The pains which loss of friends entails Are not of those which may be spoken. "

The tale of terrors of the Day Of Judgment, which the preacher telleth,
Is but a figure, of the woes Of lovers' parting-day bespoken.

Whom shall I question of the Friend Departed? For whatever tidings
The couriers of the East may bring All on distraction's way be spoken.

" The ancient grief with year old wine Repel; for this of heart's contentment
The seed is. " Of th' old Villager 'Twas on this wise, they say, bespoken.

Alack, that loveless moon, that friend And enemy, " From friends and comrades " ,
How lightly were these words of her, " Let us begone away " , bespoken!

Henceforth, submission is my part; For lo! my heart, to pain grown wonted
For thee, renouncement hath from hope Of remedy for aye bespoken.

" Bind thou not knots upon the wind, Albeit to thy wish it bloweth! "
Of the wind's self to Solomon Was this proverbial trait bespoken.

Go not, for Fortune's blandishments, From the right path, nor trust the story
That this old hag her craft's forsworn, Of whomsoe'er it may be spoken.

Come and drink wine, for, yesternight, Of the old keeper of the winehouse,
Was much of God's forgivingness To those who disobey bespoken.

Make thou no words of How or Why; With his whole soul the loyal servant
Each word the Sultan says accepts, Without or yea or nay bespoken.

If any say that from the thought And love of thee returned hath Hafiz,
Believe it not; for nought but lies And calumny have they bespoken.