Hafez Shirazi (Poem), Ruby's Heart, Translated by Ismail Salami

 

Ruby's Heart

The bulbul's care is naught but the rose is his mate dear

The rose's care is naught but to bring grace to her cheer

Not all lure is what brings the lover's heart to its fall

Master is he who bears compassion to his thrall.

Now comes the time when blood gushes into the ruby's heart

for the shard hath shattered its value and worth in the mart.

The bulbul's power of speech came from the rose's boon

Or his beak would be devoid of all this song and tune

O thou who in the street of our love tread

Be careful; or his wall may shatter thy head

The traveler is accompanied by a hundredfold soul

Wherever he is, health and well-being be his dole

O heart! Though the dice of health to thee was cast

Sweet is the lot of Love. Cling to it hard and fast

Intoxicated, the Sufi wore his hat askew

Two more goglets, aslant his turnban flew

To the sight of thee the heart of Hafiz had been inclined

It is now cherished with union. Put this torment behind.