HAFEZ

Don't be surprised at Fortune's turns and twists: That wheel has spun a thousand yarns before.

I have learned so much from God that I can no longer call myself a Christian, a Hindu, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Jew.

Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth, 'You owe me.' Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky.

Send a bouquet of your face with the morning breeze.

Oh Cup-bearer, set my glass afire with the light of wine!

Ever since happiness heard your name, it has been running through the streets trying to find you.

Thou learnest no secret until thou knowest friendship, since to the unsound no heavenly knowledge enters.

Come, for the House of Hope is built on sand: bring wine, for the fabric of life is as weak as the wind.

Be content with what thou hast received, and smooth thy frowning forehead, for the door of choice is not open either to thee or me.

You yourself are your own obstacle, rise above yourself.

'Tis writ on Paradise's gate, Woe to the dupe that yields to fate!

Words have no language which can utter the secrets of love; and beyond the limits of expression is the expounding of desire.

On the neck of a young man sparkles no gem so gracious as enterprise.

On the holy boughs of the Celestial Tree High up in the heavenly fields, Beyond terrestrial desire My soul-bird a warm nest has built.

Everyone, whether he is self-denying or self-indulgent, is seeking after the Beloved. Every place may be the shrine of love, whether it be mosque or synagogue.

The only friends who are free from cares are the goblet of wine and a book. Give me wine...that I may for a time forget the cares of the world.

Grieve not; though the journey of life be bitter, and the end unseen, there is no road which does not lead to an end.

How seek the way which leadeth to our wishes? By renouncing our wishes. The crown of excellence is renunciation.

If, like the prophet Noah, you have patience in the distress of the flood, Calamity turns aside, and the desire of a thousand years comes forth.

There is an ambush everywhere from the army of accidents; therefore the rider of life runs with loosened reins.

Woe to the dupe that yields to Fate!

The world is a bride of surpassing beauty-but remember that this maiden is never bound to anyone.

Grieve not because thou understand-not life's mystery; behind the veil is concealed many a delight.