Translated by A. Z. Foreman - Ghazal 194, Against Sufistry lyrics

These pulpiteers who like to preach with public piety Indulge in very different things at home in privacy. My problem is a question. Ask the wisest: how do these Enforcers of repentance live so unrepentantly? Who can believe in their belief in God, or Judgment day When all their judgments in His name are fraud and jugglery? I serve the master of the ruins whose poor have all they need To teach the needy rich a lesson in humility. These nouveaux-riches all flaunt their mules and Turkish slaves! O Lord Get these jacka**es saddled up and get them gone from me! O Angels, say your prayers before love's wineshop door, for there Was Adam's clay shaped for the ferment of humanity. No sooner does a lover fall slain by his boundless beauty, Than slews of others born by love rise from eternity. Rise, Sufis, for the Magian wine-temple and receive The quenching spirit that revives the heart to revelry. Empty your house, my heart, and make space for your Sultan's court Since ravening fools make heart and soul an army post in me. At dawn a cry came from the throne of heaven, and Reason said "The angels must be chanting Hafiz' Verse from memory."