A lifetime 'tis that in Love's quest Each day I hither, thither fare,
That still to those of good repute I lift imploring hands in prayer.

So that my day I may not pass Without my love-enkindling moon,
Snares in the way I've set and clapped A bird (my heart) within the snare.

So haply tidings I may gain Of yonder cypress-straight one's shade,
Love's clamour, on all sides, I launch At every goodly-gaited fair.

I know that those blood-raining sighs I heave at eventide and dawn
Affliction to an end will bring And fruit of happy case will bear.

Where's Gulchihréh and where Auréng? Mihr's usance where and where Wefá's?
I only now can claim to be A lover perfect as they were.

Though well I know yon Ease-of-Hearts Vouchsafeth not the heart's desire,
I still go cherishing the thought Of union that shall last fore'er.

Though absent from myself I am And wine (like Hafiz) have forsworn,
Yet, in the angels' banquèt-halls, I quaff a goblet here and there.