Ode XX

I swear--my master's soul bear witness, faith of old times, and

promise leal!--

At early morning, my companion, is prayer for thy unceasing weal.

My tears, a more o'erwhelming deluge than was the flood which Noah

braved,

Have washed not from my bosom's tablet the image which thy love has

graved.

Come deal with me, and strike thy bargain: I have a broken heart to

sell,

Which in its ailing state out-values a hundred thousand which are well.

Be lenient, if thou deem me drunken: on the primeval day divine

Love, who possessed my soul as master, bent my whole nature unto wine.

Strive after truth that for thy solace the Sun may in thy spirit rise;

For the false dawn of earlier morning grows dark of face because it

lies.[24]

O heart, thy friend's exceeding bounty should free thee from unfounded

dread;

This instant, as of love thou vauntest, be ready to devote thy head!

I gained from thee my frantic yearning for mountains and the barren

plain,

Yet loath art thou to yield to pity, and loosen at mid-height my chain.

If the ant casts reproach on Ásaf, with justice does her tongue upbraid,

For when his Highness lost Jem's signet, no effort for the quest he

made.[25]

No constancy--yet grieve not, Háfiz--

Expect thou from the faithless fair;

What right have we to blame the garden,

Because the plant has withered there?