When you are sober, the Beloved seems like a thorn to you.
When you are drunk with God’s wine, out of your self, the Beloved is a great help to you.
When you are sober, you become prey to the fly.
When you are drunk, even the elephant becomes game for you.
When you are sober, you are covered by the cloud of sorrows and worries.
When you are drunk, the moon is born in your lap.
When you are sober, the Beloved stays away from you.
When you are in rapture, the Beloved’s wine is served to you.
When you are sober, you are cold, frozen like winter.
When you are out of your self, even winter appears like spring to you.
All your indecisions come from your search for a decision.
Desire indecision, and decision will come to you.
Your indigestion is a result of your desire to eat and digest everything.
When you give up that desire, poison becomes honey for you.
Your failure to attain your wishes comes from your running after them.
Stop running, and all your wishes will be scattered like wedding gifts in front of you.
Fall in love with the cruelty of the Beloved, not with his charm.
Be like this, and that reluctant Beauty will become a lover crying for you.
When the Sultan of Sultans, Shamseddin, comes from Tebriz,
You will be ashamed to talk about the moon and the stars.
Divan-i Kebir, Meter 21, Gazel 10, Verses 101-110, Pages 20-21