His full name was Khājeh Shams-od-Dīn Moḥammad Ḥāfeẓ-e Shīrāzī . Shirazi is the town he was from. He lived 1325-1390. Few details are known about his life and his poems were collected after his death. Hafez was a Sufi Muslim. He was supported by patronage from several successive local regimes. We are coming up on Hafez day, October 12th. Links: Guardian Biography in an interesting Iranian art website Wikipedia Tomb of Hafez Poems : Ode 487 With last night’s wine still singing in my head, I sought the tavern at the break of day, Though half the world was still asleep in bed; The harp and flute were up and in full swing, And a most pleasant morning sound made they; Already was the wine-cup on the wing. ‘Reason,’ said I, ‘’t is past the time to start, If you would reach your daily destination, The holy city of intoxication.’ So did I pack him off, and he depart With a stout flask for fellow-traveller. Left to myself, the tavern-wench I spied, And soug...