Xxv

Breeze of the morn, if hence to the land thou fliest--Of my friend, Return with a musky breath from the lock so sweet Of my friend.

Yea, by that life, I swear I would lay down mine in content, If once I received through thee but a message sent Of my friend.

But--at that sacred court, if approach be wholly denied, Convey, for my eyes, the dust that the door supplied Of my friend.

I--but a beggar mean--can I hope for Union at last? Ah! would that in sleep I saw but the shadow cast Of my friend.

Ever my pine-cone heart, as the aspen trembling and shy, Has yearned for the pine-like shape and the stature high Of my friend.

Not at the lowest price would my friend to purchase me care; Yet I, a whole world to win, would not sell one hair Of my friend.

How should this heart gain aught, Were its gyves of grief flung aside? I, Háfiz, a bondsman, still Would the slave abide Of my friend.