Ghazal No. 33

You cannot fit into the Harem, nor into the idol-house. But O how eagerly you come to those who seek you eagerly.

Set foot more boldly in the sanctum of your lovers’ hearts. You are the master of the house. Why do you come in stealthily?

You plunder the possessions of the Sayers of the rosary, and you make night-raids on the hearts of wearers of the sacred thread.

Sometimes you raise a hundred hosts to shed the blood of friends, and sometimes come into the company equipped with measure and with cups.

On the bush of a Moses you hurl flames so ruthlessly, and to the candle of an orphan you come gladly like a moth.

Come; quaff a cup of wine, Iqbal, from the wine-cellar of the self. You are back from the tavern of the West a stranger to yourself.