Poems from the Divan of Hafiz 28

Hast thou forgotten when thy stolen glance Was turned to me, when on my happy face Clearly thy love was writ, which doth enhance All happiness? or when my sore disgrace (Hast thou forgot?) drew from thine eyes reproof, And made thee hold thy sweet red lips aloof, Dowered, like Jesus’ breath, with healing grace?

Hast thou forgotten how the glorious Swift nights flew past, the cup of dawn brimmed high? My love and I alone, God favouring us! And when she like a waning moon did lie, And Sleep had drawn his coif about her brow, Hast thou forgot? Heaven’s crescent moon would bow The head, and in her service pace the sky!

Hast thou forgotten, when a sojourner Within the tavern gates and drunk with wine, I found Love’s passionate wisdom hidden there, Which in the mosque none even now divine? The goblet’s carbuncle (hast thou forgot?) Laughed out aloud, and speech flew hot And fast between thy ruby lips and mine!

Hast thou forgotten when thy cheek’s dear torch Lighted the beacon of desire in me, And when my heart, like foolish moths that scorch Their wings and yet return, turned all to thee? Within the banquet-hall of Good Repute (Hast thou forgot?) the wine’s self-pressed my suit, And filled the morn with drunken jollity!

Hast thou forgotten when thou laid’st aright The uncut gems of Hafiz’ inmost thought, And side by side thy sweet care strung the bright Array of verse on verse—hast thou forgot?