Ode XIV

At eve a son of song--his heart be cheerful long!--

Piped on his vocal reed a soul-inflaming lay.

So deeply was I stirred, that melody once heard,

That to my tearful eyes the things of earth grew gray.

With me my Sákí was, and momently did he

At night the sun of Daï[16] by lock and cheek display.

When he perceived my wish, he filled with wine the bowl;

Then said I to that youth whose track was Fortune's way:

"Sákí, from Being's prison deliverance did I gain,

When now and now the cup thou lit'st with cheerful ray.

"God guard thee here below from all the haps of woe;

God in the Seat of Bliss reward thee on His day!"

When Háfiz rapt has grown,

How, at one barleycorn,

Should he appraise the realm,

E'en of Káús the Kay?[17]