Classic Poem

Good-news-bringer be, O breeze of the Northland air!
Come, say that the time Of union draweth near!

God safeguard thee! Come; For welcome thou art to me,
O courier that com'st From the camping-place of the fair!

With Selma how is't And the dwellers in Dhou Selem?
How fareth the Friend And where are the Loved Ones, where?

The banqueting place Abideth uncheered and void
Of pottles brimful And winebibbers debonair.

Lo, ruined and razed The house is that flourished erst!
Its case wilt thou know? Go ask of the ruins bare.

Now fall'n is the night Of estrangement, how wild and high
The prowlers-by-night Of fancy will revel there!

Unending the tale Of love is; the tongue of speech
Is lamed, if it seek To meddle with this affair.

Our wanton-eyed Turk Bestoweth on none a look:
Out, out on this pride And harshness and haughty air!

In beauty complete Thy wishes thou hast outpassed:
May God from the eye Of jealousy guard thee e'er!

Nay, patience and love, Hafiz, how long wilt thou use?
Bemoan thee; for sweet Is the sound of the lover's prayer.