Ghazal 198

I said, when will your lips mine satisfy?
You said, with your wishes I’ll comply.

I said, your lips demand a price so high,
You said, your profits will multiply.

I said, who found you while only on himself rely?
You said, there are very few who even try.

I said, leave the idols, choose the one that won’t die;
You said, for lovers, love to all will apply.

I said, the tavern drowns my every sigh;
You said, happy is the one who makes sorrows fly.

I said, in my creed, the way of wine must defy;
You said, this is the way of the creed of the old Magi.

I said, what use the wine, for one as old as I?
You said, it wets your spring of youth, which has gone dry.

I said, when will the master beside his bride lie?
You said, when the conjunction of moon and Jupiter is nigh.

I said, your praise is Hafiz’s ceaseless cry,
You said, this is the song of the angels in the sky.