Classic Poem

FROM THE PERSIAN OF HAFIZ .

Songster sweet, begin the lay,
Ever new, and ever gay;
Bring the joy-inspiring wine,
Ever fresh and ever fine.

With a heart-alluring lass,
Gaily let the moments pass;
Kisses stealing when you may,
Ever fresh and ever gay.

Gentle boy, whose silver feet
Nimbly move to cadence sweet,
Fill us quick the generous wine,
Ever fresh and ever fine.

How enjoy life's tedious hours
Without wine's seducing powers?
These will make them pass away,
Ever fresh and ever gay.

To me the sweet enchanting maid,
Charms devotes that never fade;
Charms t' inspire her poet's song,
Ever fair and ever young.

Zephyrs! while you gently move
By the mansions of my love,
Softly Hafiz' strains repeat,
Ever new and ever sweet.