The story goes that when Timurlane conquered Shiraz, he questioned Hafez about the first bayt of this poem, saying it was an insult to his royal majesty for Hafez to think so little of his magnificent cities, Samarkand and Bukhara.  The poet replied, “Alas, O Prince, it is this prodigality which is the cause of the misery in which you find me”.  Charmed, Timurlane dismissed Hafez with rich gifts.