Classic Poem

Of her ebon tress such reason Have I to complain that ask not;
For from me't hath peace and puissance On such manner ta'en that ask not.
Heart and soul let none surrender, In the hope of faithfulness;
For on such wise, for so doing, To repent I'm fain that ask not.
For one draught, whereon ensuing Was no hurt to any one,
From the know-noughts such annoyance Needs must I sustain that ask not.
Go from us in peace, o zealot; For this ruby wine from hand
Heart and faith on such a fashion Beareth off amain that ask not.
Peace and safety in seclusion Were my wish; but yonder rogue,
Her narcissus-eye, such witch'ry Wrought with heart and brain that ask not.
In Love's pathway are contentions, Clamours that dissolve the soul,
Each one bawling, now “ This looks not At” and now again “ That ask not.”
Heaven's ball (quoth I) I'll question Of the present case; and it,
“Neath the mall of Fate I suffer Durance such and pain that ask not.”
“Whom to spite, hast thou,” I asked her, “Plaited thus thy tress?” And “Hafiz,
“Long the tale is: by the Koran,” Answered she, “refrain; that ask not.”