Classic Poem

Cupbearer, come, for the Friend From her visage the veil hath taken;
New light the recluses' lamp, That like was to fail, hath taken.

Yon taper, whose light was grown dim, Its visage anew hath kindled;
This year-stricken elder new life And youthfulness hale hath taken.

Such blandishments practised the Friend, That piety swerved from the pathway;
Such favour she showed, that affright The rivals who rail hath taken.

Nay, prithee, a truce to this sweet, Heart-ravishing speech! One would say
Thy pistachio in sugar its speech, To compass our bale, hath taken.

Our weariful hearts were oppressed With a burden of care and affliction:
A Jesus-breathed one hath God sent Who away all our ail hath taken.

Each cypress-shaped fair, that whilere Of beauty o'er sun and moon boasted,
To pursuit of another affair, Since thou ent'redst our pale, hath taken.

Heav'ns cupolas seven are full Of the echoing sound of love's story;
And shame on the short-sighted man, Scant heed of the tale hath taken!

O Hafiz, whence learn'dst thou this spell, That, in jewels and gold thy verse chasing,
The Friend as an amulet it 'Gainst sorrow and wail hath taken?