Ode XIX

Lo! from thy love's enchanting bowers Rizván's bright gardens fresher

grow;[21]

From the fierce heat thine absence kindles, Gehenna's flames intenser

glow.

To thy tall form and cheek resplendent, as to a place of refuge, fleet

Heaven and the Túbâ-tree, and find there--"Happiness--and a fair

retreat."[22]

When nightly the celestial river glides through the garden of the skies,

As my own eye, it sees in slumber, nought but thy drunk narcissus eyes.

Each section of the spring-tide's volume makes a fresh comment on thy

name,

Each portal of the Empyrean murmurs the title of thy fame.

My heart has burned, but to ambition, the aim, still wished for, is

denied:

These tears that tinged with blood are flowing, if I could reach it,

would be dried.

What ample power thy salt-rights give thee (which both thy mouth and

lips can claim),

Over a breast by sorrow wounded, and a heart burnt within its flame!

Oh! think not that the amorous only are drunk with rapture at thy sway:

Hast thou not heard of zealots, also, as reckless and as wrecked as

they?

By thy lips' reign I hold it proven that the bright ruby's sheen is won

By the resplendent light that flashes out of a world-illuming sun.[23]

Fling back thy veil! how long, oh tell me! shall drapery thy beauty

pale?

This drapery, no profit bringing, can only for thy shame avail.

A fire within the rose's bosom was kindled when she saw thy face;

And soon as she inhaled thy fragrance, she grew all rose-dew from

disgrace.

The love thy countenance awakens whelms Háfiz in misfortune's sea;

Death threatens him! ho there! give help, ere yet that he has ceased

to be!

While life is thine, consent not, Háfiz,

That it should speed ignobly by;

But strive thou to attain the object

Of thy existence ere thou die.