Golden Paradise

To Hafiz… whose work endured during his own times of turmoil and through the ensuing centuries because he spoke great truths and small, rose above narrow views, believed in a natural freedom of spirit and, perhaps better than most, understood the mysteries and passions of love.

With his most famous verse, I dedicate this story.

Oh Turkish maid of Shiraz! in thy hand

If thou'lt take my heart, for the mole on thy cheek

I would barter Bokhara and Samarkand.

Stefan in his own way was willing to barter as much…