Ode 3: In Praise of Shah Shoja and the Conquest of Isfahan

The morning of the feast, the beloved's face, the days of youth, the roar of the harp, the banks of the Zayandeh river, and a cup of wine. The longing for the beloved, the tumult of love, the fire of desire, the song of the lute, the voice of the oud, the sound of the rebec. Word of the conquest of Isfahan, the glad news of fortune, the sign of high destiny and hope of open doors. The minds of the wine drinkers seething with joy, the hearts of the lovers burning with longing. Delight in the heart, wine in the hand, rapture in the soul, the beloved tipsy, we beside ourselves, the companion undone. What a sample of fortune, what a token of luck! What more could there be for a life of pleasure? It is a windfall, so seize the chance for joy; don't let go of the wine, don't turn away from delight. Seat the sweet, charming beauties beside you, for questions and answers are pleasant with sugar-lipped ones. Drink the cup of wine, O tender soul of Obeid; this precious life rushes by, so catch it while you can. Revel in the court of the king of the world and be glad, the lord of the world, the world-illuminating sun. Glory of state and faith, crown-bestower on the throne, a sky of kindness and generosity, a king of exalted rank. Granter of thrones, conqueror of realms, taker of countries, world-conqueror, young in fortune, blessed with success. With the point of his spear he lifts the crocodile from the depths of the Nile, with the strike of his arrow he brings the eagle down from the heights of the clouds. In the days of his reign chaos has fallen asleep, like the eye of fortune of his ill-wishing enemy lulled by his glory. O refuge of the world, at the threshold of your rule the sky is the chamberlain of audience and Jupiter the doorkeeper. The nobles have girded their waists to serve your court, the kings have bowed their necks in obedience to your command. The height of your rank stands so high among the ladders of glory that swift-footed imagination cannot find its footing there. Before the sea of your generosity, the encompassing ocean of bounty is like the glimmering mirages before that boundless sea. The likeness of your face and the sun is just like the tale of the light of revelation and the glow of moonlight. The heavens have gained majesty and glory from your splendor, wisdom has learned rightness and truth from your judgment. From the awe of your wrath the mountains tremble, from shame before your open hand the sea drowns in its own flood. The blood of your foes drips from your sword; you would think drops of blood are falling from the edges of the clouds. My lord, by the light of your favor, may its shadow rest forever upon those you love. I settled in your heaven, and fortune said: 'You have alighted in the finest station and found the finest refuge.' As long as the hand of dawn at daybreak casts ropes across the sky from the blazing flame of the sun, may the rope of your life be stretched so far that no mind could measure its span until the Day of Reckoning.