Classic Poem

from the Persian of Hafiz
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.

O just fakir, with brow austere,
 Forbid me not the vine;
On the first day, poor Hafiz' clay
 Was kneaded up with wine.

Thy mind the mosque and cool kiosk,
 Spare fast and orisons;
Mine me allows the drinking-house,
 And sweet chase of the nuns.

He is no dervise, Heaven slights his service,
 Who shall refuse
There in the banquet to pawn his blanket
 For Schiraz' juice.

Who his friend's skirt 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 thou not hell, and trust thou well,
 Heaven is secure.