Hafez · Ghazal 405 · By the life of the tavern's elder
به جان پیر خرابات و حق صحبت اوکه نیست در سر من جز هوای خدمت او
بهشت اگر چه نه جای گناهکاران استبیار باده که مستظهرم به همت او
چراغ صاعقه آن سحاب روشن بادکه زد به خرمن ما آتش محبت او
بر آستانه میخانه گر سری بینیمزن به پای که معلوم نیست نیت او
بیا که دوش به مستی سروش عالم غیبنوید داد که عام است فیض رحمت او
مکن به چشم حقارت نگاه در من مستکه نیست معصیت و زهد بی مشیت او
نمی‌کند دل من میل زهد و توبه ولیبه نام خواجه بکوشیم و فر دولت او
مدام خرقه حافظ به باده در گرو استمگر ز خاک خرابات بود فطرت او
This ghazal carries one of Hafez's most comforting messages: the angel of the unseen brings word that God's mercy is for everyone. If you have been judging yourself harshly, or feel that others look down on you, take heart. No one knows another's intention, Hafez says, so do not despise anyone, yourself included. Lean on the blessing of those who guide you with love. You were made as you are, and grace has room for you. Rest in that, and serve what you love.
By the life of the elder of the tavern and the claim of his company,
there is nothing in my head but the wish to serve him.
Though paradise is no place for sinners,
bring wine, for I lean upon his blessing.
May the lightning-lamp of that cloud shine bright
that struck the fire of his love into our harvest.
If you see a head lying on the tavern's threshold,
do not kick it, for no one knows its intention.
Come, for last night, in my drunkenness, the angel of the unseen world
brought the good news that the bounty of His mercy is for all.
Do not look on drunken me with contempt,
for neither sin nor piety is without His will.
My heart has no leaning towards piety and repentance, but
let us strive in the name of the master and the glory of his fortune.
Hafez's cloak is always in pawn for wine;
perhaps his very nature was made from the dust of the tavern.