Ode CLV

Last night my tears, a torrent stream, stopped Sleep by force:

I painted, musing on thy down, upon the water-course.

Then, viewing my Beloved one's brow--my cowl burnt up--

In honor of the sacred Arch I drained my flowing cup.

From my dear friend's resplendent brow pure light was shed;

And on that moon there fell from far the kisses that I sped.

The face of Sákí charmed my eye, the harp my ear:

At once for both mine ear and eye what omens glad were here!

I painted thine ideal face till morning's light,

Upon the studio of my eye, deprived of sleep at night.

My Sákí took at this sweet strain the wine-bowl up:

I sang to him these verses first; then drank to sparkling cup.

If any of my bird-like thoughts from joy's branch flew,

Back from the springes of thy lock their fleeting wings I drew.

The time of Háfiz passed in joy:

To friends I brought

For fortune and the days of life

The omens that they sought.