Though wine gives delight

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by Khwajeh Shams al-Din Muhammad Hafez-e Shirazi (Hafiz)


Though wine gives delight, and the wind distills the perfume of the rose,

Drink not the wine to the strains of the harp, for the constable is alert.

Hide the goblet in the sleeve of the patchwork cloak,

For the time, like the eye of the decanter, pours forth blood.

Wash the wine stain from your dervish cloak with tears,

For it is the season of piety, and the time for abstinence.




Translation by Edward Browne

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