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…The love of his youth Appeared as in a dream And this ageing lover Went mad with love. The youth robbed him of Reason and his chastity. In pursuit of his Beloved, mad, deranged, He was from kith and kin estranged. The fire of the rose’s cheek Burnt the nightingale’s heart; The laughing flame Tormented the devoted moth…Hafiz Shirazi
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When shall I get to kiss thee?’ I asked.‘ By all means you can forever ask, ’ she answered.‘ Your lips ask a heavy price, ’ I said.‘ It’s a fair exchange of one so fair, ’ she said.‘ What lips are worthy for your mouth and lips?’ I asked.‘ Only the discerning can this secret know, ’ she answered.‘ Don’t worship idols, be with the Truth, ’ I said.‘ In the Way of Love, both are allowed, ’ she said. I said, ‘The tavern helps to heal the heart.’‘ Blessed are those who heal the lonely heart, ’ she answered.‘ It’s not religion, the priestly robe, the wine, ’ I said.‘ But to the gnostic both lead to the Divine, ’ she answered.‘ What use to an old man of youthful lips?’ I asked.‘ By such sweet kissing, he grows young! ’ she answered.‘ When shall the bridegroom embrace the bride?’‘ When the stars are that way inclined.’ I said, ‘The prayer of Hafiz is for His glory.’‘ This is the prayer of angels too, in heaven, ’ she answered.Hafiz Shirazi