CERTAIN MAXIMS OF HAFIZ
121
4
The temper of chums, the love of your wife, and a new piano's tune—
Which of the three will you trust at the end of an Indian June?
5
Who are the rulers of Ind—to whom shall we bow the knee?
Make your peace with the women, and men will make you L. G.
6
Does the woodpecker flit round the young ferash? Does grass clothe a new-built wall?
Is she under thirty the woman who holds a boy in her thrall?
7
If She grows suddenly gracious—reflect. Is it all for thee?
The blackbuck is stalked through the bullock, and Man through jealousy.
8
Seek not for favour of women. So shall you find it indeed.
Does not the boar break cover just when you're lighting a weed?