Winecup and love and loveling I'll nevermore forsake;
Renouncements have I many Made and no more will make.

The Friend's street-dust I value Above the Houris' halls,
Above the meads of heaven And Kauther's nectar-lake.

Their lesson men of insight Teach with a hint: a trope
I've said nor will repeat it, Let whoso may mistake.

The Sheikh to me, in anger, Said, " Go! Leave love. " No need
Is there for strife, my brother: With love I will not break.

This is my whole devoutness, That I the city fair
Nor from the pulpit ogle Nor play the pious rake.

What while the head I lift not Up in the tavern's midst,
I'm never unto knowledge Of mine own self awake.

" Wine is forbidden; drink not; " The preacher, chiding, said:
Quoth I, " I never hearkened To every ass that spake.

" The Magian Elder telleth A reasonable tale;
" Excuse me, of thy fables If I no heed do take. "

The Magian Elder's threshold Is fortune's dwelling-place,
Hafiz: I'll ne'er the kissing Of this door's dust forsake.