  Thus Allah makes proclamation: Ye that seek for peace of mind, What ye seek will only find In the word renunciation. Must I spill the wine I’m drinking, Must I practise what I preach, Ere Mohammed’s hand will reach Out to save my soul from sinking? Must I shrink from soft caresses, Must I turn my eyes away, Must my heart no longer stay In the tangle of your tresses? Talk no more; I’ll not believe it; Love is far too sweet to lose, And while wine is in the cruse, By my beard I’ll never leave it. Hafiz, if the dedication Of thy being must belong Thus to woman, wine, and song, Cease to preach renunciation. |
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