THE RUBAIYAT OF OMAR KHAYYAM
RUBAIYAT OF OMAR KHAYYAM
TRANSLATED FROM THE LUCKNOW EDITION
BY
JOHNSON PASHA
LONDON KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, TRUBNER & CO. L™
BROADWAY HOUSE, 68-74 CARTER LANE, E.G. 1913
The rights of translation and of reproduction are reserved
Printed by BALLANTTNB, HANSON dr- Co. at the Ballantyne Press, Edinburgh
PREFACE
THIS translation of the Lucknow Edition of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam has been the work of otherwise idle moments during nearly thirty years. Much of it has been done when in camp or in other situations where no works of reference were available. I have, however, subjected it to some revision, and hope that the most important errors have been corrected, and that it now presents a fairly accurate idea of the original meaning. I think that the great majority of the quatrains are, if not a literal, at least a fairly close rendering of the original text, but I have not hesitated to add expressions not to be found in the original where it seemed to me clear that anything like a simple translation of the original words would not convey the same ideas as the Persian. I have ventured to depart altogether from accepted translations in a few instances, such as in quatrain 67, where I think " khisht " is certainly " spear," and not, as it has been usually rendered, " brick." The endeavour to check the flood with a spear seems to me a much more natural example of vain endeavour than to throw bricks upon it. Again, in 271, though the original only says that sight is given to the eyes of the dewdrops,
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
yet, taken with the context, I have felt justified in serving the needs of rhyme by speaking of the flower's thanks for new-born life. Also I think that one of the salient ideas of the quatrain, the rising of Christ in the birth of the seed that was sown, has hardly been sufficiently recognised. I may, however, mention that I believe the Lucknow text differs from others in a good many quatrains.
There is, of course, much repetition, but though this greatly increases the difficulty of any attempt to render into verse without constant repetition of the same phrases, I think that, on the whole, translation repays the effort. There is generally something new to be found.
Several quatrains are probably not genuine. For instance, No. 7 is found in El Maghrabi, who is probably the real author, but I have taken the work as I found it.
I have departed from the ten-syllable line in many in- stances, and have even exceeded the limits of the Rubai, but I can only urge in extenuation that I have found the endeavour to turn 762 quatrains of Persian into 762 qua- trains of English a task of great difficulty, and I hope for the indulgence of those who may care to read.
E. A. JOHNSON.
VI
THE RUBAIYAT OF OMAR KHAYYAM
i
AT dawn a voice from out the tavern door Called to my vagrant muse, " Awake and pour ! " That ere my tale be told and life run dry My soul may fill her jars with wine once more.
Reproach not those who drink though thou refrain, I do repent if grace thereby I gain ; And thou who boastest that thy lips are pure A hundred baser things thy virtue stain.
3
Woe worth the man whom flatterers surround, Whose evil deeds through fear are virtues found ; The vagrant who shows mercy to his kind All other vagrants treat with scorn profound.
7
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
4
Who fashioned me of water and of clay ? And bade me here a while contented stay ? Who warned me lest the cup my hand defile ? Is thy hand empty ? thou that say'st me nay.
5
Since none may swear the sun shall rise again, Cast from thine aching heart the load of pain And drink with me, oh moon ! beneath this moon On thee and me she ne'er may shine again.
6
Oh thou in grace and beauty fashioned fair, Eternities of Heaven or Hell to dare, Thy place is Heaven, yet have I no sin, And yet 'tis well in Heaven I may not share.
7
Knowest thou why thou art enthralled of me ? Cried the false goddess to her votary ; From thee there cometh one that draweth me, Dazzling mine eyes even as I draw thee.
8
Think me not helpless, for the sword of speech Shall yet my foes' inmost defences reach ; The sorrow of their soul shall feed my muse, Their skulls my cup, to drink a draught from each. 8
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
9
Heart of my heart ! the sands of time run fast, Yet heavy hang the hours in absence past. Hast never word of hope, or cheer to send, Or must the gulf close o'er my head at last ?
10
Tis wine that gives me strength to play my part ; 'Tis wine lays bare the secrets of the heart ; And hence my prayer in this world and the next, To taste of both alike in equal part.
11
Fire without smoke, and wealth of effort vain, So doth the world reward my toil and pain. Let him who dubs me tavern-haunter, say Where went this tavern that has come again ?
12
Oh for the love my heart has given thee ! Come, loose my bonds, and once more set me free And bring the cup that I may drink to thee, Ere of my clay its fellow moulded be.
13
Seek ye my grave beneath the trailing vine, For I would lie where I may dream of wine. Even in the Judgment Day, the tavern floor Shall yield my ashes to the wrath divine.
9
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
14
Tis grief has taught my hand to grasp the vine, For me the pearl with ruby light to shine ; And now that sorrow's meed my soul hath filled Wine is my goal, and steeped my soul in wine.
15
Oh sorrow, that our souls no more may meet ; With thee the world's most bitter draught was sweet. Without thee, bitterness of hopeless grief Must fill the world that spreads around my feet.
16
Though fair and sweet this mortal framework shows Stature of cypress, cheek of blooming rose, Yet why the architect has fashioned so The prison cell that holds him, no man knows.
17
Why should I turn to him who bids me stay, Or stake my all when I must pass away ? Who fain would pause, fate takes him by the hand And bids him further climb, and he must e'en obey.
18
Oh stranger, in the name of charity Cease thy discourse that I may fast from thee. I fain would keep the path, but thou deceivest me ; Show mercy to the blind and set me free.
10
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
19
Drunk am I ? dazed ? distracted ? Be it so. Mad and distressed ? disgraced ? why, be it so, Since waking shows me all things are my foes And I myself am nothing; be it so.
20
Give me a cup, for 'tis the gift of God His mercy grants to raise me from the sod. Drink deep, nor heed the summons to obey, Since of mankind's obedience recks not God.
21
The dying fish the careless angler took, And cast on earth beside the rippling brook, Turns on the water no more longing glance Than I on thee ; oh grant me but a look.
The word of God is good, ye say. And so Ye take the Koran, read awhile and go. The lines that mark the cup contain a creed Ye read more easily and better know.
23
The world is naught save what is dear to thee, Dearer art thou than sight of eyes to me. Dearer than all is life, all else is naught. Dearer my love a hundredfold shall be.
ii
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
24
What spirit brought thy soul this night to me
Within the veil by ways no eye can see
To be the solace of a soul on fire ?
As well the passing wind ye strive to see.
25
Is it thy will I languish in despair,
Or in fulfilled desire banish care ?
I ask not this nor that, but only pray
Thou take me to thy heart and keep me there.
26
Oh heart of mine ! deem not this treacherous age Shall heal thy woes or turn a brighter page. To seek yet not to find increaseth pain, So learn to bear what time may ne'er assuage.
27
Yet when the cup is given to the hand, The soul may endless realms of joy command. Transcendent powers clothe a mortal form, The speech a flood, the soul a burning brand.
28
So would I drink, that fragrance of the vine Even in the silent tomb shall still be mine, That when a kindred spirit passes by May grateful odours round his senses twine. 12
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
That when the rest are gone, we two may drink,
And pawn our senses to the cup, nor think
Of hope in mercy, nor of fear lest fate
Set loose the powers from which those senses shrink.
We two with wine and song beneath the sky Life, Soul, Religion, Sense, in pawn laid by, When pulses leap with wave on wave of wine The world's foundations as a bubble fly.
The minnow to the wild duck called, Behold the stream
runs dry,
Yet surely it will come again nor leave us here to die ? The wild duck answered, Much indeed, on frying-pan or spit, By rippling brook or rolling flood, shall profit thou and I.
Light of my longing soul ! to kiss thy fairy feet Were better far than other's lips an' they were ne'er so sweet. Ever by day my failing hand thy fleeting form doth clasp, Ever by night pursue thee in dreams my weary feet.
When all creation void as air is found, When naught therein but grief and woe abound, Well may'st thou hold that all the world is naught, Well may'st deny that aught therein is found.
13
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
34
"Tis thine to drink this day that flies so fast, Nor aught may call it back when once His past. This fair world's face is to destruction set ; Yet drink ! the memory of the draught may last.
35
Lo, I have bowed the head to thy decree, Water of life, whose slave I still would be. Whether in flask or bowl 'tis set for me, Tis wine that bringeth life and love to me.
36
""Pis tenderness that joineth heart to heart, In union sweet each finds its counterpart, And ne'er of earthly joy a hundred shrines Such harvest yields as heart may give to heart.
37
And if beside the stream we two may lie With wine and song, who recks of destiny ? True, Heaven and Hell may be, but heed not those Who prate of them ; we rule them, thou and I.
38
And if thou can'st not give me certainty, Why should I sit and hope for what may be ? Haste, lest I drop the wine cup from my hand, Drunk, not with wine, but dazed no truth to see.
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
39
Is there no rose ? the thorn my need shall serve.
Is there no light ? then darkness Til deserve.
Is there no liberty of soul nor leader to be found ?
The monk shall toll his bell for me, his canons I'll observe.
40
No man would break the cup he fashioned true, Destroy his labour's fruit, his toil renew. And yet behold all these fair earthly forms : Love fashioned them, shall hate love's work undo ?
41
Mother of ages, see the present rise. 'Tis thine to grasp. Look to it lest thine eyes Rest on the morrow's evil : 'tis not yet, Perchance may never be an' thou art wise.
42
Oh wheel of life, that turnest but for ill ; Oh unjust judge, unjustly judging still ; Oh earth, how should'st thou blossom if uprose The shattered fortunes that thy bosom fill.
43
And lo, the idol of my fond desire Herself is taken in the net of fire ; When the physician's self is racked with pain, How shall the wounded soul to rest aspire ?
15
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
44
Hearts that are fashioned in the mould of love, Nor fame nor mosque need ask their worth to prove. Whose name is written in lovers roll of fame Is free of Hell below and Heaven above.
45
This circle where we come and whence we go, End or beginning did it never know ; Nor any man can truly say he knows Whence is this coming, whither all must go.
46
Time's hand is turned to man's destruction yet. Still the world's watch for thee and me is set. But since the cup is ours we fear them not : No other rights than these we need to get.
47
In love a heretic, no Mussulman ; An ant that knows not might of Suleiman : Pale cheek and hollow eye alone are mine, For when I bought the dearth of sweets began.
48
To drink and to enjoy is all my creed, From doubt and faith alike I would be freed ; Said not the spouse of time to comfort me, " Glad hearts are all the portion that I need ? " 16
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
49
Give not the crowd the clue to learn thine art, Nor of thy counsel make the fool a part ; And guard thy countenance in sight of men, Eye tells to eye the secrets of the heart.
50
Nor may I show the world to me revealed, So for my sins my doom on earth is sealed ; And since this race of men no manhood knows, Still my souPs burden is from men concealed.
51
They say, in Shaban drink ye without sin, Also in Rajab, for the Lord therein Takes special favour, and the prophet too. I drink in Ramadan for I delight therein.
52
Sober am I, joy veils from me her face. Drunken I lack the sense to shun disgrace ; Twixt drunk and sober sure a state must be To hold me safe and keep me in good case.
53
Fill high the cup though ache the weary brow, Fill with the wine that doth with life endow ; For life is but a tale by watchfire told. Haste thee, for time runs short, the end comes even now.
17 B
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
54
If grief be the companion of thine heart,
Take what fate bringeth thee, nor heed the smart ;
Behold another's woe and learn thereby
How small thine own, and comfort thy sad heart.
55
Oh why should he who knows the truth take thought of
foul or fair ?
Or love make choice of weal or woe so both the gift may share ? What recks the Dervish that he wear sackcloth or satin sheen? Or what the lover of his couch so his love's breast be there ?
56
The sweets of life no joy may bring to me, Nor my desire fulfilled by time may be ; So I the burden of a hope deferred Have cast aside and all is naught to me.
57
Much have I wandered over vale and plain, Through many climes, in joy, in grief, in pain, Yet never heard men say, " The traveller Who passed this way before has come again."
58
Oh ruby lips whose fragrance shames the bowl ! Soft eyes whose glances bid me taste the soul, The crystal cup may laugh with rosy wine, But deep therein the tides of sorrow roll.
18
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
59
I bade my soul along the brink of time Seek Heaven and Hell, records of worth or crime ; Then came the answer : Man's own record holds Himself, and Heaven and Hell's in every clime.
60
Oh wasted wanderings o'er hill and dale ! Lost effort, weariness without avail. Oh sorrow that a life should not afford One happy hour to adorn the tale.
61
To whom is given to look behind the veil ? To whom is given life's inmost keep to scale ? Man finds no resting-place save in the tomb, Nor comfort save an oft-repeated tale.
And every flower that blooms beside the stream Thy fancy some departed love may deem. Tread lightly on the sward nor rudely wake Those who sleep softly, from a blissful dream.
63
Bring wine, for wine alone may quench the fire Of fleeting hope and unfulfilled desire. Wake, for in waking sleep shall find its crown ; Youth's ardour faileth fast, the strong must tire. 19
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
64
The tree of knowledge never fruit may bear While wander all and none the garden care, Weak hands to helpless branches stretched in vain ; Day follows day alike where all alike must share.
65
Beware ; nor in thy fellow's friendship trust, Still hold him far apart whom know thou must. He whom thou blindly choosest from the crowd Unveiled, seeks but to deal the dagger's thrust.
66
Hail ! shining wanderer from outward spheres With soul unvexed by early doubts and fears, Hail ! thou who knowest not whence thou art come, Or where thy path may lie in coming years.
67
I may be reprobate, but none shall say Wine gives no better hope than idols may, For on the morrow that I pass away I'll call for wine and woman, Heaven and Hell may stay.
68
If to drink wine is sinful, then sin is sweet to me.
Where lover's hand in love is clasped, what place may
fairer be ?
And if ye speak of bitterness and punishment to come, Why, bitter aye to me was sweet, and what is that to thee ?
20
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
69
Why dost thou grieve because this world must pass ? Can any stay, where all are as the grass ? The very breath thou drawest is but lent, So pay the score and leave the empty glass.
70
Yet when the sky is rent and stars are dim, When rolls the world upon destruction's brim, Til cling to thee and bid thee tell me why My soul should perish for a despot's whim.
71
It is not given thee to make the plan ; The world rolls on, nor recks of struggling man, And since no deed of thine may turn the scale, Accept thy fate, nor ask the rolls to scan.
72
Man has to die but once, that once for all ; Why then, die decently, nor vainly call For respite : flesh and blood are of the earth, And naught may save them from earth's funeral pall.
73
Where is the morrow's promise ? Let him say, Who boasted of his hopes but yesterday. To-day a riper wisdom knows the truth That all is vain and all must pass away.
2i
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
74
So I who write, the tent-maker who strove With wisdom's texts to deck the tents of love, By fate's dull shears is cut my thread of doom, And destiny a broker false doth prove.
75
And while I hold a single clod upon the face of earth It shall but serve to bring me wine and have no other worth. Though Miriam wear the turban and bring the coat of proof, May war and glory never weigh with wine and simple mirth.
76
And hast thou drunk the week from end to end ? Look that the Friday pass thee not, make haste to mend. Friday and Saturday alike are proper days to drink. Worship the Lord of days, the day's but time ye spend.
77
'Tis not the thorn ye tread beneath the feet, Nor angel locks nor pencilled brow ye greet. Not in the keystone of the palace porch, Nor vizier's ring nor kingly crown its seat.
78
Life's secrets to the soul may be in life revealed, Nor even those of God in death concealed. Yet if when wrapped in self thou knowest naught, The morrow that parts thee from self what lore may yield ?
22
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
79
And wouldest thou seek for happiness below, Learn that thou leav'st us naked, seek to know Rather the why and whence, who brought thee here. What doest thou and whither must thou go.
80
The good and ill that make a human life,
The gladness and the sorrow of the strife,
Ah leave it not to fate, for well we know
How blind the power that turns the wheel of life.
81
Perchance the cup to which my lips are pressed Has lived and loved ere yet it passed to rest. The very handle that my fingers clasp Has lain in rapture on a woman's breast.
And why, oh tent-maker, this grief for sin ? Will great or little grief a pardon win ? And what with pardon would the innocent ? Pardon is sinners' meed ; where is thy sin ?
83
Beware, for surely time excites to strife, The sword of fate is sharp and envies life, Though time should bring thee sweets, oh touch them not ! Their sweetness is with deadly poison rife.
23
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
84
The stream must flow, the wild wind may not stay, So from our lives has parted yesterday, Yet days that ne'er may come and days gone by From present hours no joys may take away.
85
Heaven's cup is empty for thy beauty sake In mortal breast no fresher hope may wake. Death holds the path, and no man may refuse To journey on or other road may take.
86
Since waking senses showed each limb to me, Bound hand and foot by envious fate are we. Alas ! alas ! that still must reckoned be The hours that part my love, my cup, and me.
87
The player must not seek by devious ways To 'scape the chances of the game he plays. Fate is the box, and changing time the dice, 'Tis thine to cast for good or evil days.
88
Do good to all alike, to friend and foe, Who dwells with virtue vice may never know. Injure a friend, an enemy ye find ; Shelter the enemy, a friend may grow.
24
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
89
I know not whether 'twas in Heaven or Hell That my creator meant that I should dwell : But brookside kisses, food and flowing wine Are Heaven enough for me and thee as well.
90
A full cup of the wine that lights my noon, The wine that serves the rose of joy for moon, Haste ! for in waking sleep shall fortune gain ; Youth's fire to water changeth all too soon.
91
Drink ! in forgetfulness thy wounded soul May find a moment's peace ; though round thee roll The wildest floods of grief, thou need'st not fear, Thine ark of safety is the brimming bowl.
92
And yet I drink not that I may enjoy, Or in rebellion self-respect destroy. Ah no ! I would but to forgetfulness My soul a moment from her cares decoy.
93
The world is but a caravanserai Where evil men wax fat, and wise pass by. So quench with wine the fires of earthly care Ere empty-handed ye go forth to die. 25
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
94
The day I came I came not of my will, By fate's decree I leave unwilling still : And do ye wonder I would free my soul From all the sorrows that my bosom fill.
95
The dark-eyed girls of Paradise are fair, But so to me is wine, and who should care For credit when there's money in the hand, Or heed a distant drum beat in the air.
96
And if I choose to take my Heaven on earth With all the Springtime grants of love and mirth, Think ye no evil, rather grasp the truth That could I scorn it I were little worth.
97
Seekest thou life eternal ? 'Tis not there, But here in Spring when all is young and fair, The rain-washed rose itself is drunk with wine Of nature's pouring : dost refuse a share ?
98
Oh bleeding heart of mine, whose evil fate Is swayed by every passing moment's hate ; Oh soul of mine, what dost thou pent within This body which must fail thee soon or late?
26
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
99
Though coin be false, for me it ringeth true, The house but newly swept is fouled anew ; There came a wise man from the tavern door And said, " Drink now, then sleep the ages through."
100
Life's but a stage on the eternal way, Where halts the body's lord a single day. Fate strikes the tent, for one more stage set free, The traveller rises to pursue his way.
101
And did the Heavens not war with me 'twere strange ; Fell not the rocks upon my head 'twere strange ; So if the judge who bought the wine condemned Gained thereby credit with the folk 'twere strange.
Nor in the Holy One deaf ears we find ; Full well He knows predestination blind. Evil befalls that is of evil born, Though both worlds be in nature not unkind.
103
Did the Almighty craftsman take no heed Of good or ill what time he fixed our meed ? If all was well, why throw the work aside? If all was ill, who answers for the deed ?
27
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
104
But see ! the fair spring showers have washed the rose ; Arise, and in the wine cup drown thy woes. The sward that serves thee for a couch to-day To-morrow from thy dust the fresher grows.
105
The rose, the garden, and the stream for me, With beauty's smiles alike both fair and free, And wine, that all in rosy garb I see, Temple and mosque alike are naught to me.
106
What joy to dream that round the goblet's brim Love's ruby lips in rosy kisses swim, That in the draught the absent lover drains, His mistress lends her heart's best blood to him.
107
So fleshly lusts are sinful ? yet they came
By God's good will who bids us feel the flame.
If good and ill be in Almighty hands,
Why doth the Master hold the slave to blame ?
108 Should Hell be never peopled save through drunkness of
mine?
Must my repentance lower bring my head than ever wine ? And if I had no sin to purge, say, why is mercy shown ? Couldest thou not pardon me for sin what happiness were thine ?
28
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
109
The mosque may hold no place for me, no Christian church
be mine ;
Why, then, hast thou created this helpless clay of mine? Now as a Dervish without faith, a harlot void of charm, No creed have I, no joy on earth, nor hope of Heaven is
mine.
110
The crimson tulip ever rears its head To mark where once a hero's blood was shed. The violet nestles in the sheltering leaves As mole of jet with damask cheek that wed.
Ill
Wert thou but left alone awhile with me Thy weeping lovers might forgotten be, Though every beam that through thy lattice steals Wake the dull motes to naught but love for thee.
112
To-day and yesterday are naught but memories of the past, Joy, labour, grief, alike are vain when once the die is cast; So take the hour for what 'tis worth, be happy while ye may, Nor strive to read the riddle on the leaves that turn so fast.
113
Nor ever have I learned why turns the wheel That ever bringeth woe and never weal. I gaze upon the past, but all in vain, Nor memory may aught of hope reveal.
29
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM 114
Ere thou and I were born day followed day, Night followed night, each had their part to play, Tread lightly on the path, oh traveller ; 'Twas a fair woman once, though dust to-day.
115
Among the wise 'tis held as fairly proved Through far and near from right and left it moved. And if some fools have sought to soil its fame, Must I give heed and hate what Gods approved ?
116
Brighten my day with wine, for all is dark ; Save thy bright eyes my way no light doth mark. Life, the round World, the Universe, may roll To Hell or Heaven, thou art my safety's ark.
117
By wine I know where mercy may be found, Though fools declare me to rebellion bound. Were there no knowledge what should aught avail ? And is not manhood best by knowledge crowned ?
118
Heaven's self is less than foam upon the sea, Of pleasures granted by the grape to me. The landmarks sure, no need to ask the road, Though at the shrine I die, 'tis victory. 30
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
119
Oh grant me but the gleanings of the field, Where thy bright eyes so fair a harvest yield. My heart thy yet unspoken thought obeys, As Jamshid's cup to lovers truth revealed.
120
The azure dome of sky, the golden bowl From age to age in endless order roll, Bound to fulfil the stern decree of fate, And I as well must pass, and pay the toll.
121
The dusty road ye tread from day to day Is still the dust of great ones passed away. That which to-day ye crush beneath your feet Was once an open hand ere yet it turned to clay.
122
A draught of wine shall give me more than wealth to
mortal mould,
The cup an empire more vast than Kaikobad may hold : And though the lover sigh at dawn, 'twere better so to
wake, Than at the whine of Pharisee to drink deception cold.
123
Perfect in faith I reached the tavern door, Yet soon the magic cord my girdle bore ; Then for my ill repute the serving man Cast forth my garments and swept clean the floor.
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
124
Yet faith in mosque and tavern alike is ever found ; The coaches bray in worship true becomes melodious sound. The Mirhab and the pulpit, the rosary and cross, Are tokens all of honest faith, if not of dogma sound.
125
One draught of wine, for much though man desire, To little joy on earth may man aspire. Oh take the joy the passing hour brings, For here no man may gain his heart's desire.
126
The wine I drink is of thy beauty's vine, All eyes to thee are drawn, and lost in thine. Complete their spell, thy ruby lips alone, May grant the light that makes a creed divine.
127
Come, for my heart is sore for love of thee ; Turn, oh physician, once again to me ; I live for naught save at thy feet to die, Yet while I live I hope that this may be.
128
What meaneth all this talk of love divine ? Is Heaven naught save cupbearer and wine ? Here we have wine and cupbearer as well, And what can either world give more divine ?
32
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
129
I know not if I pleasure feel or pain ; Save in the cup no earthly joy I gain. I drink red wine at morn and pledge my soul, And know what none save Isa might attain.
130
Pour, cupbearer ! for he who fashioned me Wrote on my brow that I should love but thee, Though this world with fair maids and wine were filled, Though heavenly founts and houris promised be.
131
They say a breath divides the false and true ; Aye, and a breath the saint and sinner too ; Yet think not thou this breath of small account : A human life therein lies hid from view.
132
Lo, " this," the jewel of an unknown mine,
And " that," a pearl that never may be thine.
For " this " and " that " we still take thought in vain :
It needs another tongue to tell love's tale divine.
133
To-day's the season of my youth divine ; I pledge my heart's desire to-day in wine. While life remains should bitter still be sweet ? Yet sweet is bitter when 'tis life of mine.
33 c
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
134
Oh heart ! though this life all grief-laden be, And soul from body without warning flee, Were it not well awhile in grassy meads To rest with love ere grasses spring from thee ?
135
No law save God's responds to nature's call ; 'Tis destiny that holds our life in thrall : That is and that shall be which must be so, And that which may not be shall ne'er befall.
136
For thee the ruby sparkles in the bowl ; To thee the blushing cheek shall pay a toll. Drink ere the wheel of fate, that blindly turns, Shall strike thee to the dust and onward roll.
137
Untimely born that in the lists he threw, Ere yet my helpless frame was fashioned true. Now with the souls that bear the brand of woe, I wander vainly 'twixt the old and new.
138
Lo ! blood of men slain by the stroke of doom ! Lo ! dust of men that makes their common tomb ! Oh, take what life may give of youth and mirth: Full many an opening bud shall never bloom.
34
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
139
Bring forth the cup that so the heart's pure flame May tempt the torch of life to burn again ; But he who tastes the ruby of thy lip Shall never raise his lips to lips again.
140
The moon is high, nor joy in vain is sought. Bring wine, for sense has learnt and time has taught. Fate strikes as strikes the levin in the corn : ""Pis but a breath, and that which was is naught.
141
What may I do ? My heart is burnt with fire ;
As men with wine, I drunken with desire,
I help the weary and lead home the lost,
Yet God well knows my hopes are raised no higher.
142
The wise by worldly wealth may set small store ; Yet without wealth the prisoner grieveth sore, In life's walled garden where the violet droops, While the rose laughs to see the red gold pour.
143
Oh, love ! chief record of the realms of truth, The sweetest couplet in the ode of youth ; Oh, thou who knowest not the world of love, Learn this : that life is love and love is ruth.
35
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
144
Behold the mount a myriad Moses trod ; The church that owned a myriad Christs as God ; The Palace where a myriad Caesars dwelt ; The throne that saw a myriad Khusrus nod ;
145
The cup of fate that meets the soul's desire ; The draught of love that fills the soul with fire: In these I dwell, for this world's soul am I, Of many forms and hues, yet one entire.
146
My creed to grant enjoyment's nothing loth, And little says of drunkenness or sloth, Of this world or the next ; but if they be, In this I fain would take my share of both.
147
And shall I lay my own sins bare to view, And scorn or fear to speak of others too ? Nay. What I see of both worlds tells me plain, 'Twere well to raise the skirt in passing through.
148
Art thou exalted ? Thou shalt bite the dust. Is thy soul delicate ? Shalt beg a crust So take the chance and haste the stage to pass, Nor wake the ills that sleep, since pass thou must. 36
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
149
Good wine shall through the reed of friendship full In gentle murmur .sounding >w. . t to all Who -.-.-is ,1. -light, these to the note respond, As thirsty camels to the drivers' call.
150
The seed of love that in my heart is sown, In everlasting l>loom thy power shall own. Seek not to keep thy skirt from suppliant hands, naught may loose my clasp save death alone.
151
Seek not, oh love, to drive me from the door ; I will not heed the frown that grieves me sore. Yea, though thou press my drooping head to earth, I will press forward in thy train the more.
152
Yea, though I hold the fairest in my arms, Though /fin-Zero's well replace the ripe grapes'1 charms, Though Venus'* self should strike the lute, or Isa's golden
tongue
Should hold discourse : where love is not, for me it hath no charm>.
153
Pour to me of the wine thy ruby lips distil ; Though for eternity ye jnmr, never my heart shall fill. In presence of thy beauty to boldness wakes dcv Though my .!• -ire's height measures my courage still.
37
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
154
Oh love, whose fairy face is life to all,
Thy song draws all to thee, who holcTst my heart in thrall.
Thou sun, whose seal is on the waters set ;
Apart yet hot alone; one, yet the all in all.
155
Nor, if I love, am I for that to blame : Even the fool must feel the ardent flame. The cup that heroes quaff may serve for all ; None save the coward finds within it shame.
156
And if the laws of life be rightly framed, And from the world's beginning so ordained, Who warned me that the world^s foundations so Were set in feeble light that dimly flamed ?
157
I said, " Thy locks be long, as cypress fair.1'1 She answered, " Bow thy head, and so compare." I said, " Hath thy fair form no fruit for me ? " She said, " No fruit for man may cypress bear."
158
They tell me, " Those who drink must lie in Hell," Yet " What hearts will, hands do," they say as well. I tell thee, if Hell yawns for all who drink, To-morrow Heaven will be an empty shell.
38
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
159 Men never cease to say ill words of n
• am I blameless that their thoughts are free; Though what again>t the law they find in me, Save for a crime or two of sense, ''twere hard to see.
160
Ten spirits in nine courts of Heaven's eight
even planets of six spheres relate, Tht tali- five senses in four corners told, That God in both worlds never made my mate.
161
( >h, shining cup, that mocks the eternal sun, \Ylio taste of thee know both worlds' joy in one. The secret that in nature lies concealed, Did ye but know it, by that cup is won.
I ,ove dwells among the locks that grace thy brow ; Thine eyes are shrines whereat love's pilgrims bow. The pearl's disgrace that strove to match thine ear Wakes to new life the love that slept but now.
163
The u'l'ief that fills my heart cries out amain ; My deep distress has passed all bounds of pain ; My snowy locks are welcome, for I know
hoary heads light hearts may spring again. 39
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
164
The bubble floats, nor any cornes to guide, Nor any fills the void that opens wide ; And if the cup may warm us for awhile, D oes Zem-Zem's well a better cheer provide ?
165
Behold, my heart is free from care to-day, The woods are bare, no lions bar the way. Nightly I sought the cup, but sought in vain ; My turn is come : " There is no wine," they say.
166
Oh, sweeter cup than ever Jamshid drained !
To die for thee were life eternal gained.
The dust thy foot hath pressed shall light my soul :
Ten thousand suns such radiance ne'er attained.
167
Oh, ruby lip whose sweetness haunts the bowl ! Sweet pain to wring the heart or rouse the soul, Whose bark was never by lovers tempest tossed, His life were death though fair life's waves may roll.
168
Ah, fill my cup, for though it please not thee, The sweet companionship it brings is all in all to me. It may not answer to thy creed, but well it suits with mine, To drink the cup of pleasure my love shall hand to me.
40
RUBAIVAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
169
Was ever brain whose thought was known to all - Was ever love that recked of great or small ? Was ever crew that pushed to win the goal Without a leader, save where love leads all ?
170
" Who," cried the rose, " my beauty can outshine ? Whose perfume strike the senses deep as mine?"" Thf nightingale replied, "Oh, fair to-day, I who behold thee all the year must pine.""
171
Through chair and throne, ill news that travels fast Of my ill-fame for thrice ten years has passed ; Now if the cup a hundred angels scorned Were offered me, I'd scorn to take it last.
172
My heart is cold as ever corpse were found, At rest as though within the tomb 'twere bound, To purge my sin though tears of blood may rain. Deep and yet deeper spreads the stain around.
173
Oh love ! through love I may not sigh for thee, Nor brook the bonds the law would ln\ on nu . My heart knows thee alone and none but tht-r, By his great name I swear who knowetli me.
41
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
174
My heart would break the bonds my thoughts impose And pour in flood that no controller knows, Fast as a Sufi bound in bands of law, Add but a single drop, it overflows.
175
The green sward and the rose of yesterday Are dust and all their beauty passed away ; So quaff the cup, and take the joy ye may, For grass is green and roses bloom to-day.
176
Old wine I love, the daughters of the vine Shall soothe my life, and if it be not mine To win the bride my soul desireth, Lo, her twin sister round my soul shall twine.
177
Oh love, to dwell apart from whom were living death to me, Where'er thou art, my fancy seeketh and findeth thee. When thou art not, a thousand hearts are racked with grief
for thee ;
Thou comest, and ten thousand hearts are love's free gift to thee.
178
They said, " How fair the harvest moon doth shine." So far I sought with all the skill was mine, I saw no moon that shone like thy sweet face, No form of cypress tall and straight as thine.
42
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
That wine which is thr lift- it makes to move
( >f leasts that rove, or her!) that grows, as fate shall prove,
Hids tii<-.' doubt not lest life !><• nothingness, What thou art if thou art, thy life shall prove.
180
If praised I were 'twas my disciple praised, And wim- thr cause or none a voice had raised ; Yet if 'twere wisdom taught the teacher here, Take joy that what I taught the teacher mazed.
181
In convent, school and church, and lonely cell Men seek for Heaven and hope to baffle Hell ; Hut lie who know.-, the secret of the Lord Soweth not seed whose blight he knows full well.
You say to-day is Friday ? In that case Drink from the howl that takes the goblet's place. If 'tis your wont to drink each day a cup, Two drunk on Friday may the occasion grace.
183
Thou in whose charge it is the soul to train, ust to those wh<»e r\vr\ breath is p;iin ; Take counsel with the wise, for thou and I A iv born of du>t and lire, wind ami rain.
43
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
184
If wine and song may help to pass the time, If brook and meadow sound a soothing chime, Ask thou no better — Hell's a threadbare thing. If there be Heaven, 'tis here, and now the time.
185
Hast seen the world ? All thou hast seen is naught, All thou hast said, all thou hast heard or wrought ; And though thou search from pole to pole 'twere vain, Even that thou hast in secret done is naught.
186
And this poor structure of incarnate clay Is naught to-morrow save what 'tis to-day, And that is nothing : Life and death roll on. Ye see the turmoil, and 'tis all ye may.
187
I scattered clay upon the world of clay, A hundred foes and friends I swept away, And I have naught to say of how and why, That which I had I had, and cast away.
188
Drink now. Long must thou sleep within the tomb ; No voice of friend or foe shall pierce the gloom . Be warned, and tell to none the secret dark, The faded rose may never hope to bloom.
44
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KM \YY~\M
189
I drink, mul all m\ critic-, left and right,
out upon the act as IMMIII; quite Opposed to the true fiith. K wine tny foe ? Why thru to drink his Mood is surely right
190
Where wine and cupl*»arer be not, all count* AS naught Where the reed whispers not, life's storms are naught. I prohc the world for secrets hid, but still I find The joys we taste may count for gain, the rest is naught.
191
'I '! 10 passing cloud sheds tears upon the mead :
I. iff without wine and flowers were sad indeed.
To-day iu truth I Bather Mowers here,
Mut who shall pluck the flowers that on mine ashes feed?
192
Tin- comrades of an hour must part; the soul ye cherish Must pass behind the veil, :u;d singly come to know The awful secret. Drink, for who can say Win nee he has come or whither he must go?
The New Year's morning dew doth deck the Set in the s\sard a fair face fairer shows.
I thou evil of the passer-by? .lo\ ma\ !><• thine, 1 1 is sorrow deeper grows.
45
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
194
And when the gods my rose-tree planted fair,
Full well they knew what deeds my fate must share,
Nor any sin of mine was hid from them.
So why am I to burn ? and they — are where ?
195
The writing on the wall has passed away ; There's naught save talk of good and ill to-day. I gave what I could give — I could no more ; My grief and efforts might no further stay.
196
Were not the dread of fate and death my bane, Surely from life some figment would remain; But I, whose blood has come of Christian race, Think but that death shall wash me from life's stain.
197
I cannot tell the why of good and ill, Or spin a long-drawn yarn the time to fill. I am, but cannot tell ye how or why ; My secret is, but is my secret still.
198
Dwell with the cup, for this was Mahmoud's throne ; List to the harp, for David loved the tone. Take ye no heed of who may come or go : This present moment counts, and it alone. 46 '
Vie RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
190
Behold the cursed wheel that spins my thread;
Behold tin- flood my tear-dimmed e\es ha\e -bed ;
My ^rief whose fire should scorn the flame of Hell.
( )m- moment was I free from pain : " Tis Heaven," I said.
•00
Once in a dream I heard a wise man say,
"No roses bloom for him who whiles away
The time in sleep." Would ye that fate should sleep?
Wake ! for beneath the sod ye sleep for aye.
201
Never yet spun the wheel to man's desire.
And would ye reach the seventh heaven or higher?
B • food tor ant> or wolves? *Tis all the same. Sinn- man abidrth but in vain desire.
MM
Ask not for joy — one moment endeth all ; A little clay remains where monarchs fall. Tis true the world was, and life was, for him, Hut now the pageant ends — the same for all.
203
And this old ho»trl on the endless road, \Yheiv niuht and day their i-heqiirrs tlin^ abroad. A hundred .Fam>hid> lu-n- have lain to rest, A bundled Hahr.mis for a -pan abode.
47
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
204
To voice his sorrow must the nightingale Obtain the tulip's aid, or hush the tale ? Yet fools accuse me in their ignorance, And say, "• Without the cup his numbers fail."
205
See how the rose of joy for thee doth blow; Accept the draught the friendly hours bestow ; Drink, for time ever proved a treacherous foe. Is it so hard the fateful hour to know ?
206
The moon's bright rays have rent the skirts of night. Waste not thine hours so few, so fairly bright, For many a moon shall seek thee here in vain Who 'neath the sod heeds not the hour's flight.
207
Clouds in the sky, yea, clouds of souls that passed, Darkening the day that closes all too fast. Haste, for they call thy body to the tomb, To pay the debt they paid, and thou must pay at last.
208
The breeze of morning wafted thy fragrance to my heart ; She fled in search of thee, and we have drifted far apart, Till now, alas ! my heart that was, her Lord no longer owns : Wrapped in the sweetness drawn from thee, the beauty that thou art.
48
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
•06
'I In casil.- courts are empty now, Bahrain ye call in Tain ; Tli.- hitch fox broods, the lion sleeps where feasted Bahrain's
train.
Tin- grave that waits for all alike has cast the lots again ; The wild ass with his hunter sleeps, the slayer with the
skin.
210
"l'i> ill to -tri\r «ith the divine decree, Nor may mankind be moved save willingly. 1 tried all stratagems, hut none availed : Fate still was master, and must ever be.
211
Thou sayest that God's help is not for all, And in repentance thinr ill deeds recall; Yet speeches soft and thanks for good to come Sans penitence suit not thy faith at all.
Ill
Tin- desert's face bathed in the new year's dew, Tin- land of sorrow by new birth mode new ;
'.ivo and spring-tide hold the place awhil.>, This springing green thy dust shall oft renew.
Hi. earth no better ho|x» than pagans know ? That I should strive to cluck the ocean's flow With tin- sjw>ar's point - \vln-n to inv lovr and me A nip of wine gives all we ask below.
49
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
214
He in whose heart is sown the seed of truth Loses no day from the brief tale of youth. Either men seek the favour of the gods Or seek the cup of pleasure and of ruth.
215
Woe to the hearts that from the fire turn,
Nor bear the brand that marks the souls that burn.
Pass but a day without the stain of wine,
That day is lost to thee nor may return.
216
Lo, I have served thee ill and crave thy grace ; My heart is dark, no light save from thy face. Grantest thou Paradise for service true ? Then pleasure's sold : I seek a gift in place.
217
How long the lamp-lit mosque, the smoke-grimed cell ? How long the bait of Heaven, the scare of Hell ? Behold the tablets where the Lord of destiny declares That what has been was not, and what fell not befell.
218
Woe worth the heart that lonely cannot dwell ; Shame bears him company in earth and Hell. Free hearts and fearless tread the path alone, Nor need the woes of life to others tell. 50
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
Ufl
I deem it shame to play the drunken l>
tin- world ; therefore, nor lute nor Htitr, Nor . , 11 my heart for drink shall mark the time: All drunkards (save our lord) pray follow suit.
MO
Still inny we sense the perfume of the bowl, Though faithless ages all effacing roll ; N ' t of the wine we drank no drop remains, Nor know I when myself must pay the toll.
M
Thv soul the kennel of thy lusts confess, Filled but with empty sound and profitless; With craft of fox and wakeful sleep of hare, Treacherous as wolves, as panthers pitiless.
22*
There is no heart but bleeds when far from thee. \\ ho once has seen distraught must surely be. Thou harkenest not to any man's desire, Yet may no nmn from that desire be free.
•M
A mighty Miioke that hides but little tin-. We turn the cards, naught makes for our desire; And though we \irld to powers we may not r« By that no vkii U are lifted from the mire. 51
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
224
Keep faith, oh stranger, with thyself ; it shall be well for thee : Betray thyself, and ill shall fall alike on me and thee. Poison is physic if it suit the case, And physic misapplied may poison be.
225
Heed not the grief that fills this world of woe. Stand fast in faith though chances come and go. Yet drink and give to drink, for all must fade. And though wealth come, it passes even so.
226
We call for wine and woman, and " the morn shall pay for all," And he who remembereth this to him shall chances fall : That in this world of sorrow three things mark out the way : The wine that wakes, the gift that slakes, the morn that bears the pall.
227
Thou at whose presence opening flowerets close, Whose frown on pagan gods a shadow throws, Whose lightest breath can all the fates arouse, And check on rook and pawn alike impose.
228
What reck we that our sands run out in Balkh or Babylon ? Or bitter be the draught or sweet, so once the draught is done ? Drink then thy wine with me, for many a silver moon Shall wax and wane and turn again when thou and I are gone.
52
The RUB.MYAT / OMAR KHAYYAM
MB
it profit have ye of the world .' 1 \<- none. Or from tin- life Ye led therein t I've none. What worth the lump whose nuliancc lasteth i < )r what yon vases'* fragments one by <>
230
We know that wine and roses make for mirth.
The mi»er niiil the mourner cling to earth.
Who knoweth not, his ignorance may pass:
We who have drunk should know the liquor's worth.
181
Nor turns the wheel more freely that I came, Nor grew the glory, nor the pomp, nor fame; And M nee none gained thereby, I never knew Why was my coming, and all else the same.
m
We pluck the rose, yet sorely wounds the thorn ; Though deep we drink to-night, we rue the morn : And though a thousand lives were granted, say, Were it not hard to wait the last day^s dawn ?
Did he bid the world's foundations 'stablished be
That Bounded hearts might know vet deeper miser Did he gather ruhv lip and perfumed tress to fill
casket of the tomb and the depths of earth and Ma? 53
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
234
The sun has cast on wall and roof a net of burning light, The lordly day fills high the cup to speed the parting night, The herald of the dawn proclaims that life once more shall
wake : Arise and drink ; the darkness flies, the morning rises bright.
235
This be my hand the cup or bowl to hold : 'Twere pity it a meaner thing should hold. Oh, lover ! art thou parched, when wet am I ? Yet where is fire that burns in water cold ?
236
Ere yet thy race in this world's course be run, Drink ; for good wine shall heal the heart undone, And loose the lock that binds thee, strand by strand, Ere yet the strands of life be loosened one by one.
237
Thy past rebellion shall be reckoned all, Nor my submission profit thee at all. Pass on and gather not, for well "'tis known Who passes gains, who lingers loses all.
238
The portion that a blindfold destiny For good or ill has meted out to thee, All that is thine ; take, and contented be : That is which is thy fate, and that must be.
54
•/•:• RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
M
My soul niu.st pay a ransom for iU kind,
As •.' Mind inii>t pass lx.'fore the wiiul ;
would ye know for sure where Hell is four
I Ml i . on earth, \\here fools claim men for kind.
MO
The -tn.'ims of life and death together flow, The nrw and old, ever they come and go; Nor any man may stay the steps of time : As others came ye come, as others went ye go.
241
My heart's a lump lit by thy beauty's flame, And though it die, life's fire burns still the same. The moth that perched in the flame it loved Was even so: it died to feed the flume.
IM
If to drink, wine be sin, mark well with whom you drink, And where you drink, how much, also from what you drink And if these four i-omlitions be observed, What other draught than wine should wise men drink ?
Mfl
They who adorn the Heaven's starry plain, \Vlio mini- mid iro mid pass to earth again, Who fill the >ky'> blue vault and earth's deep woml>. Who dwell with (iod und shall while worlds remain.
55
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
244
Behold the motley crowd that sweeps along ; Scarce born, in haste to reach the tomb they throng. What reck we though for these no morrow come ? Drink, for our nightfall may not tarry long.
245
They who have come and passed away again, Sated with pleasure's cup, or racked with pain, Have drunk the final draught of nothingness, And sunk to rest, now wrapped in sleep remain.
246
Though now thine eyes do light the world for me, Yet learn what wisdom bids me show to thee : Though they may build thy fortune's fane to-day, Many, like them, have been and yet shall be.
247
He who is learned in the law well knows That scruples vanish swift as water flows, And surely 'twere the depth of ignorance Should we pervert the judgment laws disclose.
248
And he, of human faith the spring and well, Knoweth how high the tide of doubt may swell. Without concealment sceptics preach their creed ; The wine its depth of folly knows full well. 56
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
MG
Th<- MM i ire of lift- holds all the lore of Heaven; To number hairs and veins to Him is given.
itures may be by stratagem deceived ; I IDA (heat the |K>wcrs by whom all life is givt
•00
And -incr I may not mould my destiny,
Why should I strive to alter the decr«
KatluT I choose to dwell apart and mourn,
That late in time I came, and swift the end mu.st be.
M
( )h, treacherous world, that ever bringeth pain, Nur loosed the bonds of souls that cried in vain. Hut adds to those who knew the taint of sin, upon spot, and darker stain to stain.
MM
Nor am I one to tremble on the brink Of that great gulf wherein we all mu.st sink. Life is a lodging lent me by my God; The stirrup cup is ready, so I drink.
M
Yet will I tell thee of a thing to be, And in two words will make it clear to thee The tomb shrill hold me for desire of thee, 'ti> thy K»\e at length shall set me free. 57
254
No vain regret should vex the wise man's soul, So free the tide of earthly pleasures roll ; While e'en in death shall thirst the coward's clay, Death in the heart while wine doth fill the bowl.
255
Why cling ye to this fleeting world of woe, Where good and ill in mingling currents flow ? Enjoy while yet we may ; this scene shall soon Be rolled up with the rest, and laid below.
256
Where the soul rules let thought be guarded well. Where rules the body 'ware that thought to tell. Let every sense be wakeful under guard, But give the sense no power to break the spell.
257
See how the potter as he shapes the clay Would clothe it with such talent as he may ; Yet he may pat and pinch from dawn to eve, Whatever his thought would make it, 'tis but clay.
258
So that my lips may press the cup I ask no other meed ; So that my soul is lost in thine, I know no other creed. But when the end of all is come and these my lips are gone, Thine are the riches of the worm that shall upon them feed.
58
r//c I<U; \IV.\T of OMAR KHAYYAM
m
I make my nightly moan;
'I'll-- strand of my life's sea with pearls is strewn . 'I'll'- tears I shed, yet my cup's rmpty -till : What would ye when tin- cup i> up.side ilown?
100
Then come the wise men, all with wi.sdom filled, Who M-ek thr truth ami light in science skilled; can they show no road from this dark place: Thm mouths with fables and with dreams are filled.
261
I'm these are prisoners, bound to rule and law, To balance "'tis" and "'tis not" without flaw. Cut bring to such as these a draught of wim-. l-'or sour grapes are all they ever saw.
262
None but the old to evil hold the clue, And know the bitter in the sweet, though fair the outward
hue.
The house of life is wrecked : roof, doors, and comers, all Are desolate, and naught but ruin lies in view.
And wisdom, that man's happiness pursues, Daily a hundred timo thr tale renews. Take thought, thU quick-sprung friemMiip whence it comes ( >ne plant grows quick, one scarce its strength renews.
59
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
264
I ne'er knew exile for desire's sake,
Yet to few secrets was I not awake ;
Now that in wisdom's light I gaze around,
I know that I knew naught, and comfort take.
265
Long sought I evening in the morning ray. At length from self a space I passed away ; Then I returned to self, and seated there, I saw both good and evil, night and day.
266
This night I'll pledge thee in a cup of wine ; Yea, all two cups may grant me shall be mine. By triple oath old reason I'll divorce, And take instead the daughter of the vine.
267
A little while a slave to sight and sound, A little while by good and evil bound ; Though life and death on all thy steps attend. Thy resting-place at last is in the ground.
268
A false diviner once, to prove his worth, Writ in a horoscope his fate set forth : Then take my life and read it upside down, And cast my horoscope for what 'tis worth. 60
77/c- RUBAIV AT of OMAR KHAYYAM
Tin- stars that shine in Heaven's Tault above Are far beyond the sage's wit to move. H.-waiv, nor let the cord of wisdom loose,
I 'or Hi. M- in council fail tlu-ir rules to prove.
At morn when dews refresh the tulip's face,
And drck tin- violets that each meadow grace, In justice nm-t I pass from wrath to joy, Though I should fold my petals in disgrace.
271
Now is the world in verdure clad, and now The ham! of Moses whitens every bou^h ; Christ riseth nil around, and tears of joy Each floweret's thanks for new-born life avow.
272
What matter riches? Grant me but a crust, A stone or two to raise me from the dust. I own no slave, nor am I slave to man ; 'I IK- Universe is mine to hold in trust.
273
Well is it that the- >k\ will naught with clay, ' ' ists on earth save that it takes av Or never rain should fall, save blood of mm, I'roin now and ever till the .Ind^mnit Day. 61
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
274
As clings the peasant to his mother earth, So loves my soul the world that gave me birth ; Yet, when I think what joys lie buried deep Beneath the sod, all joys seem little worth.
275
A day will come when all shall have their due ; Thy power to perfect wisdom holds the clue. Strive to be perfect, for in that great day The camel and the hump are one to view.
276
Ere yet destruction on thy head shall fall, Bid them bring wine to feast thy comrades all. Dost think, oh fool ! that thou art ruddy gold ? And buried once, thou wilt be sought at all ?
277
When I am dead my clay will count for naught, My parlous state be in example brought ; Yea, they will paint the wine and rose I loved In colours false, and even form distraught.
278
Some, in vain boasting, miss the goal in view ; Some vainly seek the beautiful and true : Yet, when the veil is drawn, all men shall know The fallen who may never rise anew.
62
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
rrg
Tin- true and constant no repentance needs;
<H\ wine's the draught of life for which he pleads. If any need repent in K.im.i/iin,
Ml through prayer of mine his prayer succeeds.
180
1 h-ink wine if ye would win your heart's desire : The tree of grief thrives only in the mire. 1 l)iit a fragment of the book of life ; He\ ond tliis world ye may not yet aspire.
•a
When tho irrev liidit of dawn and darkness meet, Mid (him- hand raise the cup the day to greet. Men say the truth is bitter to the taste : Well, wine is true, yet wine is ever sweet.
M
Though last night's wine has left no trace behind, To drink to-d.-xv I am but ill inclined;
i-ause thou bid'st me never drink by day, Were I to drink, ill-fortune I should find.
2s:J
llrhold, the roM- her perfume spreads around. May we not sprinkle wine upon the ground - That free of Heaven and Hell, of " Moor" and -Jinn; Awhile we sit to taste the joy we've found. 63
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
284
Heaven teems with beauty as a flowing well, And fountains flow with wine, or so they tell. If to love wine and woman there's no sin, Is it a sin to love them here as well ?
285
Ere yet the steed of Heaven his housings bore, Or Pleiades their shining jewels wore, My lot was written in the rolls of fate. Where is my sin ? 'Twas destiny — no more.
286
Many there be who nightly drink their fill, Many who daily preach their Master's will. All drift upon the flood, and none stand firm : One only wakes, the rest are sleeping still.
287
Drink wine, for many a jasmine flower shall fade, And many a cypress cease to grant its shade. Oh, taste the fruit of life while yet ye may, For soon shall wither every verdant glade.
288
Nightly my sighs disturb the stars of Heaven, • / Nightly my tears to sea in floods are driven.
" To-morrow," said ye, " we may drink with thee." Who knows to me a morrow shall be given ? 64
The RUBAIYAT »f OMAR KHAYYAM
Oh, friend.s of mini •, if ever kindly fate Hring ye together, each to each his mate, \VluMi first the magic draught of wine is poured, Think of poor me, and of my lonely state.
NO
The day is fair, and fair and soft the win«l ; i rosy cheek glows in the breezes kind. The night in^.il«- spake to the rose, "Good wine, Than all this fuss, were nearer to my mind."
291
How long shall self-love sway thy senses all - ( )r useless logic keep thy mind in thrall '•: Drink, for if lift- bring sorrow in its train, I Vere best for help upon good wine to call.
Drink, ere thy body in the dust they lay;
Drink. i-n- tlu- ctiji !><• t'l-hionrd from thv clay.
Vex not thy soul with I lum^hts of Heaven and Hell
These be vain trill. ^ of an idl»- day.
Tin- love that fain would earn a fair reward I >lt-ad us last night's ashes on the sward. True lov«- took n»-\rr thought of tinir «>r place, ( )r f«-lt though lmni;i-r pinch, or though t ho way IM* h.-inl. 65
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
294
Who promised me of Heaven's joys a share? Then declared wine accurst both here and there. Because in wine a camel's girths were cut, To call all drinking sin was hardly fair.
295
Naught but the name of joy remaineth now; Naught but the empty cup is left thee now. Draw back the hand of pleasure from the bowl ; The unpressed grape's thy only solace now.
296
They say that Heaven is all wells and springs Of wine and honey, and all pleasant things ; Yet fill my cup with wine and I'll drink now : Good coin more value than a promise brings.
297
Who put their trust in this world's changing face Are lost, and, save in sorrow, find no place. They cry in vain when death's dark hour is come : They trusted in a phantom show for grace.
298
So trace thy path that none thy coming greet, So dwell that no man envy thee thy seat, So bear thee even the mosque that none Do aught behind thee that may not be meet. 66
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
m
In wisdom's path on wisdom fix the thought. Hast thmi a tYiL-n ! ' < >f good or ill think naught
ild'st gain applause from all tin- world .' Why, then, Repose in peace, and of thyself think naught
000
An* thou would'st learn the secret few may gain, Heed not though through thee come another's p
id not the hour of death, nor fenr though fortune change Each in his turn to all men come the twain.
301
'I'll.- rolling world of babbling fools is fain Who priceless pearls of wisdom pierce for gain, And uhi-M Heaven's secret still is all unknown, They wallow in the mire and sleep again.
302
Oli, wor for fools who fill the wide world's bound. All tin-, and yet drum-empty save for sound. And wouldM thou such to kiss thy feet begin - Earn but the world's applause, their need is found.
Drink, for until thy soul from care be free, Tin- Borrow of tin- world shall cling to UK-*-. ChooM- rather tire, for when did well* of Hf,- Bring aught save dust and wind to comfort thee?
6?
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
304
Drink, that thou take no heed of small or great, Or strive thy horoscope to calculate ; Nor seek of chemic lore to know the truth, For in one drop a thousand lie in wait.
305
Now the beloved comes to seek his own ; The husbandman to gather that was sown. The silken robe of life is worn by time ; The lute's last string must sound its latest tone.
306
The wise men say the dead again shall rise Even as they died. What, then, of him who dies And leaves but wine and women, as must I ? I pray thee let these also with me rise.
307
Why steep these selfish ones their souls in wine ? Why make the amber face as ruby shine ? Well, they shall wash me in it when I die, Though, save a grave-stone, never throne be mine.
308
Though sorrow for my sin sweep o'er my soul, Though fires of conscience o'er my senses roll, One last condition holds repentance still — The slave of pleasure still shall pay the toll. 68
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
•00
The breath we give a thousand lives to gain, The l>itt.-r >wt-et, the pleasure found in pain, 'I 'In- drup worth all from here to far Cathay, 'I'lu- joy tor which we search the world in vain.
810
When Venus ruled the Heavens my lot was cast, And from ttu- iirst the part I played set fast; Yet shall the shattered remnants of my heart Prove key to wisdom's treasure-house- at last.
oil
II' iii the tavern naught is found hut wine To purge my sin, nor any care of mine
use my name, and so perhaps 'tis well My \.-il i torn, and never more its threads may intertwine.
HI
Tin re be on outward show their faith who pin, And set the Inxly 'gainst the soul within. \\YII, I will set asiilr my love for wine. When they forego their lust to chide my sin.
813
The feast has come, to do good deeds 'twere meet. Kha\ yam will (ill the nip the hour to greet. r> an- hut fetters, fasting but a eh
by these, jov moves with lagging feet. 69
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
314
Oh, take the joys that earth may offer thee, And on her sward so fair by stream so free, Lay thy grief-laden breast awhile, ere she To her deep mother-bosom gather thee.
315
They say that in the dreadful Judgment Day Our Lord and friend will coldly turn away. Yet sure from rising naught save good can come ; So hope, nor let such fears your soul dismay.
316
Rejoice, for sure the festal moon is new, Yet not for this shall any gain his due. Wilt pour for me, O cup-bearer, or no ? The end will be the same for me — and you.
317
When my last resting-place the fates prepare, Be sure of flint they'll make my couch with care. Ye think perhaps they'd deem a brick too hard ? To blend the clay for water wine they'd spare ?
318
Though save one breath, life held no other gift, To draw that breath in joy were worth a shift. But ne'er forget that aid to fellow-man : To live in joy holds all such joy in gift.
70
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
319
Living in hope, one life I cast away, Nor kn<-\\ therein of joy a single <1
cforc I fear lest life that now remains All that from time I reft should take away.
MO
I bade the winds to waft my fortune home, N t of my hope no day of joy has come. Now am I lillr.l with .Irvad lest time should lack Till my life's garden bare of fruit become.
321
I watch time's chariot-wheels roll on in vain, Tin- joys they bear pass by nor turn again, And ( \<T\ moment's joy to mortals gi\.-n Bears bitter fruit a hundred-fold of pain.
8H
It mu-t be so, mankind must mortal be. Thus clothed from head to foot in pain we see Man run tin- race with lust, and lose the prize, And in his fellow's path as dust is lie.
8M
( )h. wretched clay, that must decay alone, Nor for thy MUS may store of wealth
M\ \\.min : litV- must part my wealth and m«-. Though in that life no momrnt'> jo\ \snr known. 1 1
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
324
Oh, life that plunges in the gulf of doom ! Oh, tree that, save of sorrow, bears no bloom ! All must pass on, nor any man may know Why moves the crowd or who comes in his room.
325
With thought's sharp needle wisdom may be sewn, And God's own self by word of mouth be known. Yet some ne'er learn the secret of the clue, In haste they speak, in death their fault atone.
326
There be who found release from this world's care, And rode the steeds of courage through the air : Is not thy nature even as the heavens, To know, and forth on wings of hope to fare ?
327
From wine to man shall joy and pleasure spring, The search for knowledge naught save sorrow bring. Yet wisdom lacks in him who trusts to wine ; Who seeks the green shall find the withered thing.
328
For I am sick, with pain my bones are filled ; Parted from wine my very soul is chilled. Oh, look thou on me, for if fault there be, Save I drink wine my cup of life is spilled. 72
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
Ml
Witli win. and woman and the rippling stream, While \. L I may of joy in life I'll dn-am. Midi as I was I am, and as I am ahull be : I drunk, 1 drink, and win. i> still my theme.
MQ
Knjoy thy Kingdom — time shall take the toll. Tin- clay that genres to-day to house thy soul, liuilt in sonic future atom's palace wall, Shall watch the stars mark out the endless scroll.
And this year such a Ramadan has been T» fit ti-r sense and life as ne'er was seen.
nt. Lord, that this may dull the people's wit, And make them think Shawwal came yestere'en.
M
( )\\, sorrow that the scroll of youth be rolled, And the sweet spring its tale of joy have told ! \\ rep for the flight of youth that soared in vain . That fate should such a page of woe unfold.
MB
How mean the drunkard who with wealth to spare Should fill the world with shame his sins to bear, As ruby casket hidi-s the emerald's sin, ()r eyes of Eden's seq nut blinded »< . 73
334
Now by the robe that Allah's creature wore Of sense to taste the j oy s the Heavens bore, Do all things sleep though he repudiate Who brought the gift and left it at the door ?
335
To-morrow sees the term of exile close ; With rising fortune sure the cup I'll choose. When woman's willing and the hour is ripe, 'Tis now or never, take or leave the rose.
336
That save in man no being there may be To many a mind of man is hard to see, Yet drink but one draught of the well of life, No creature save thyself thy soul shall see.
337
Since in these days the wise may nothing gain, No fruit of time save folly may remain : Then bring forth folly, that is wisdom true, For we be fruit of time — that sure is plain ?
338
Better the wild waste than a prison cell ;
The hermit's saintly fire burneth well.
When cloak is patched and pilgrim's serge the robe,
Tread we on pearls or dust what boots to tell ?
74
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
Was ever man who won a woman fur
I • «• learned his heart the pricks of fate to bear ? Even as the comb till cleft a hundred-fold Was never fit to grace a woman's I.
MO
Do I lust for the idols of China? What tl.
II i\< 1 . \» r niv hand on the wine cup? What th I'lii-y say, " May God give you the grace to repent/1
If II« do not, nor 1 run to sci-k it, What tl.
341
Oh seed by failing spring untimely sown ! Soul on the pyre of grief upraised to moan ; Dust that shall ring the world, by wandering wiml> Scattered in vagrant atoms, helpless, and aloi
.'5 VI
\Vho sleep the sleep of death, from speech with thee Until the Judgment Day at least are free.
till ye say, "This man no message bore"; And of that one, " He spake no word to me."
Mfl
1 orswear not \vim- if fate good wine doth grant, Though tin- the Inindn ilih tinu- thou dost recant. Tin- nightitigalr sin^s sweet, the roses bloom. 1 low iii .so joyous time should joys be acan 75
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
344
Still the Gods grant good wine, both new and old, Still earth and sky entranced my senses hold. " Repent," they cry, " while yet repent ye may.1' 'Tis his to grant repentance or withhold.
345
No man has ever pierced the veil of fate, Nor ever soul has passed the secret gate. Many have told the tale of effort vain, Yet none of knowledge gained, and still the listeners wait.
346
But half a loaf a day in freedom won, A broken jug of water thanks to none, Were better far than wage for service given. When all alike may share, why serve the one ?
347
The soul's twin soul for all men lies in wait; Though thy twin be not now, he waits thy fate. Though thou be one and he be one to-day, Yet strive in thought, thy twin soul finds her mate.
348
Oh, were I by the margin of the stream, Spouse of the brook, with wine to grace the theme, As the blush rose for ten days blooms, so I Would such a space of joy high fortune deem. 76
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM MO
As blooms the rose my nature smiles alway, Then raise the cup and jxmr good wine, I say,
I fain would bear my fate in full, yet my atoms mingle in the clay.
m
Since Venus and Arcturus sailed the sky More joy tlmn wine could give no man could buy. Why then do men sell wine at all ? For sure 'True value ne'er is given, however much they try.
951
il to the cypress form thy power inspired. |.>i tful of the ill the foe desired. Y « say no wine jar conies from moslem Iwnd : The gourd's creator first my praise required.
Ml
They say the moon of Ramadan is here,
Mi-net -forth th<- Denial cup must not appear; Hut on the last day < ni I'll drink
What wine rna\ la-t me till the feast is near.
808
These be my friends. \« -I far from «rr:i. 'Ml.
And give me wine to clonk my sorrows all. And when I die th-VII mould m\ human . Into a l>rii k to face the tavern wall. 77
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
354
Some the earth's face have worn in journeys vain Matter and spirits secrets to explain ; Though night and day they search for evermore, Still the world's key will be to seek again.
355
Full many a test they made before they passed The mould that shaped this mortal form at last; No fairer may my nature hope to be Than when from out the crucible 'twas cast.
356
'Tis true I drink, but all men like to me Would drink as I do if occasion be ; In truth or ere time was God knew I should, And did I not God's law would folly be.
357
Who ere time was the eternal secret knew, He only mortal nature may subdue. From germ to man we watch the crowd pass by : No mother-born may perfect rise in view.
358
Though pure in life's account our record be, Destruction waits the nod of destiny : Then give me water from the well of life, To slake my thirst ere clay my portion be.
78
Kl'BAIYVr of OMAR KHAYYAM BflO
wine that wings the lover on his way, That lends to beauty's glance a brighter ray — All Ramazan I never tasted w So ShawwaTs moon the brighter seems to-day.
MO
111 wishers rarely gain their ill desire, 111 doers reap a hundred-fold of fire. I wish thee well, and thou, all ills to me: I suffer not ; thou grovellest in the mire.
m
Wh.it profits thee this crew on traffic bent? With my poor wisdom will they be contei A year may scarce suffice to pour the stream ; A day's fierce heat will see its moisture spent.
362
My fellow soul whom yet I never knew In tiny raiment clad, of any hue, Rose as the phoenix to the highest heu\< -n. Nor as the owl lay hid from mortal view.
160
Oh, >orrow that our wealth of life is sj Our bleeding hearts 1>\ cruel fate are rent. Nor any from that other world may ti-ll Aught of tin frinids \sho there In-fore us u 79
Tfie RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
364
To-morrow when the good receive their lot, To me they'll dole the portion of a sot. If I turn well, they'll count me of themselves ; If ill, they'll cast me out and let me rot.
365
Of those who strive to walk in wisdom's way, " Too many kine in stall to milk," we say. But folly's garb would suit them better far, For they might sell good wine for milk to-day.
366
To prayer and fasting when my soul inclined I said, " Who asks a boon of God shall find." Alas ! the soul I cleansed is stained with wine, And though 'twere but a drop it serves to bind.
367
Let every drop the cup-bearer may spill The grief of some sad heart thereby fulfil, And in God's name I claim this wine to be Water of life that frees my soul from ill.
368
The cup can never cheer us as it should Without her presence who inspires our mood ; Yet give the cup, though it should give naught else, For this blue bowl above gives naught of good.
80
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
BOB
'I 'he face thon lovest may be deeply toured, Yet in thine eyes its beauty not be marred. So in earth's face shines forth the naked soul : Though flowers be fair, the green sward claims regard.
370
Hy drops of blood my heart's best thoughts are b<> Wlm drinks of blood his eyes in blood shall mourn.
if mine eyes drop blood, ye drem it strange? Y< pluck the sweetest rose from sharpest thorn.
371
No heart so < old hut breath of warm desire May fan the spark tlmt slumbers tin-re to fire, In great and small alike, and mw\ th«- time; Who waits the morrow lights love's funeral pyre.
171
Twas not my will that drove the reed of (ate To « ritt- of good or ill for my estate; Nor yesterday was mine, nor ours to-day, \Vh\- tlu-n should evil on the morrow wait?
373
Mine enemy who evil thinks of me,
Nor truth nor wisdom taught his eyes to see,
As in a minor -hown his c\il self,
N deems another and hi- foe to be.
8l t
374
Though in the change of time old things be new, Still the old world to its desire is true. So from the wine-jar drink, nor taste the cup Of grief, that though ye break it, grows anew.
375
Good men to evil may not set the hand, Nor God-like natures bear the reptile brand ; Yet none his record greatly should esteem, Lest honour should not every test withstand.
376
Thy musky tresses wave in sport, 'tis life or death to me ; Thy blushing cheek reflects the rose that in thy lip I see. I fain would match thy form for grace against the cypress
fair; The cypress sought in haste to grow, it could not vie with
thee.
377
Ere yet the grave to which I pass be filled, Ere all the grain be from my platter spilled, Wine of the beaker ! raise thy head awhile, And cheer my heart ere it in death be stilled.
378
"Tis done, and the days of our passion are o^er, And the pearls that we threaded can tempt us no more. Woe for many a thousand wise sayings unsaid, Oh, 'tis pity that fools may record them no more.
82
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
•• who by garb of tattered blanket shown cli out the hand for bread, and blushing own Themselves to be Junaid tind Shibli ; sure, >li they are not, though in Karki known.
860
> igh wine hold revel on the mountain's brow, \t> high tlioughts urge who drinks not wine enow. \Yhat profits me though I should wine forswear, And lack tin- lire that flames within me now?
381
My friends, my friends, they all have passed away, Struck down by fate in turn, and where are th< In life's assembly each a fidl cup drank Ere mine was finished who am here to-day.
m
Yea, I will drink until my soul he wine, Though the world profit naught that I divine. Soul of the \\orlil, may not I joy therein ? Who knows that any other shall he mine?
M
The world of night hath Hed before the dawn.
and (ui'ir ! Thy magic touch may laugh all ill to scorn Awake and part thine eyelids, held fas mis of In
Full long and deep thy sleep may be ere comes another morn.
83
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
384
The fond allurements in thy glance are naught but comedy ; Though man be smitten sore thereby, 'tis but a jest to thee. To slay me, though it please thee, take mine eyebrow for a
sword : A simple scourge, if in thine hand, were sure enough for me.
385
They say man's port should reverence command, Yet man, a child, before his God must kiss the father's hand. My case is this, all things to me are naught, Yet I lack gold, and yet both truths shall stand.
386
Rejoice, because this world shall pass away, Nor more the soul be vexed with senseless bray Of phantoms that we see but for awhile. Still, 'neath the potter's foot we join the clay.
387
Now I reject repentance and the dress The dervish wears ; the wine skin I will press. In my grey hairs my threescore years and ten Warn me, joy now or never to possess.
388
Who welcomes thirst knows the cup but in speech ; Who dallies by the way the goal may never reach ; So the cold heart that without love's content, Though for eternity, no heart to love may teach.
84
RTBA1YAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
\\ h.-it other work can cruelty declare
Th. in i, f,i, tin hate the rolling heavens bear
iy with in'- - >» give a cup of wine; 1 1 .nl 1 naught else, fur more than all were there.
BQO
When inv liftA tree a trunk uprooted lies, And scattered wide the limbs that now I prize, Take ye and make a wine flask of my clay, Fill it with wine and I again will rise.
391
The fools who on a form of prayer depend, Hypocrisy's dead weight their backs will bend . each new doctrine that may meet the eye barter I.slaui, heresy to mend.
801
may rejoice that all shall pass away, The i-lav tlmt lived return again today; And if ye drink, drink wine nor taste of gi ;
Hire they grieve who here on earth must stay
M
Thi> cup tin- past eternal doth reveal, Nor from the wretrhed iloth its worth conceal. Is it then strange tlmt I mine .-\il state Should know, and docs the drunkard nothing feel? 85
394
Beware of passions gross, desires vain, Nor drink of wine with sorrow in its train, That o'er the morning spreads a pall of shame For chances lost that never come again.
395
What voice of all with which the heavens are rife Bids thee with fate to wage unequal strife ? To gain thy heart's desire and lose thy soul We leave and we are left — what else is life ?
396
Who holds good store of wine a kingdom hath Greater than Jamshid's ? For the wine flask's breath, Sweeter than food of Miriam smells or sigh The tavern breathes at morn, or saints in death.
397
The heavens of naught but grief an increase bring ; If they grant aught, they take some dearer thing. Did those who on the threshold wait but know What fate is ours, they ne'er would touch the ring.
398
What cure hast thou for what thy fate may be ? That life and heart strive only this to see. I take what comes, as if all life were fair, And what can craft or guile do more for thee ? 86
•The RUBA1YAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
Draw forth thv fortune from the turning t Ami, nijt in hand, the steed of joy bestride. ( )f dill v dour, or MII, God weight'th naught : Work thou thv will, and care not what bet
400
Ti* morn. I'p, .sinni-r ! for the sun doth shine; Fill high the crystal cup with rosy wi Life i> but Irnl thee, utul full soon must post; Seek if thou wilt, no other way is thine.
401 Though wine be ruby red and flagon rare,
lYinuU around thee sit, and women fair, V«- know what now is life shall soon be clay — A wind that passeth — yet the wine is there.
10.M
Ti mi's thou hast spent with some dear friend or guest Are but fair YIMOUS of the past at best. Cometh the etui, and thou this life must lea Its sweets are tasted all, so leave the rest.
100
Fd even own a pagan creed if I might worship thee.
drops that linger in the cup are wine enough for m< And thrivfore though aught else I drink life gaineth not
,
One drink with thee, one taste of thee, a thousand lives would be.
8?
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
404
Oh, wheel of fate, hast thou nor faith nor skill ? Thou leavest Death unwatched to work his will ; Thou givest to the vile all store of wealth. "Twere best to change thy name to " Providence of ill."
405
A cup of wine beside a friend were sweet,
Or be he sad, a tearful eye were meet ;
But in this world so base, devoid of hope and truth,
Oblivion, though born of wine, we all too gladly greet.
406
The ball rolls on, heavy and dull and blind : Drink and make merry when the chance ye find. And when thy turn is come make no complaint ; Death is a cup that all must drink, however fate be kind.
407
Since no man while the world rolls on may gain Aught from his life therein save grief and pain, My heart were glad if no man lived at all, For none a mother's travail were in vain.
408
Delay no longer, cast all rules of life aside, And bring the true support of man that props the world so
wide.
Shed blood of grape, but never lay thy hand on wealth of man, And give the morsel in thine hand, though thou hast naught
beside.
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
400
In the bazaar I walked hut yesterday, And aaw a potter beating out his clay ; And at I passed the clay cried out to I.
<r I was once thut which thou art U>-<lay."
410
There be weak souls who have no sense at all, Who .strive to sot the bounds of great and small; A phantom they pursue till Judgment Day, Nor free themselves from dust and clay at all.
411
Hold fast what pleaseth thee of this world's deeds, ( >i what etei nity may bring thy needs;
Ami if thine own work -hould not please thee well And that of others .should, hold what succeeds.
•u
Dost seek the Self? from wife and child be free? ( 'ut loose each tie that hinds aught else to thee. Each several thing that is must bar thy road : How can the traveller, bound, successful be?
413
Take boldly when thou can'st thy heart's desire, From youth to age keep thou th\ >hare entire; All that of wealth or fortune is thy lot Hold tii inly till . . . thou leave it in the i.
89
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
414
If drink thou must, drink only with the wise, Or let the board be graced by beauty's eyes : And drink not deep or long lest ill befall, For oft in drink a hidden danger lies.
415
The treasures of the world are all displayed, In gold and jewels see the dust arrayed. Take them, and sit ye on the ground awhile : As snow that falls at dawn your wealth shall fade.
416
Come, O my soul, and drink where blooms the rose ; Well pledge the loves with whom we drowned our woes. Tis the grape's life-blood, and it calls to thee : " Lifers blood I've shed for thee ; drink ere life goes."
417
Though o'er thy head a thousand years have past, They'll drive thee from thy resting-place at last ; And be thou king or beggar, as may be, They'll fix one price for all and keep it fast.
418
O heart, take all that life may give to thee : Drest in green sward life's garden waits for thee, And on that sward as dew to rest awhile, And vanish as the dew, life grants to thee. 90
77/f IU-HAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
Grieve not that this lift- roim-lh not again,
Nor grieve that thou tin-rein mu>t MI)!
Th.it ^liicli IB past is not, and that which is not yet
U « know i, fore surely grief is vain.
And Imst thou any knowledge of the law? None would d.-n\ that there be in it flaw, So sny they of tin- work, and maker too ; If thou art pure, that is from Satan's maw.
Pearl> of devotion strung in order due 1 never gave, yet held the balance tru Nor fear I now to seek the throne of grace, the one God I ne'er mistook for two.
Who has returned, of all who went before On this long road, to tell its secret lore ? Two roads there be, of vain desire and prayer — No voice of prayer have I — there may be more.
fttt
Shake the du>t from thy feet in face of Heaven. Drink ! hut thy pleasure with discretion leavt When not one soul who went before returns, Is tlm a pl.uv fur prayer or hinners shrivt 91
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
424-
Mahmouds and Ayaz though the turning wheel By thousands slays, it still doth naught reveal. Drink then with me, for never life shall come Again to me or thee, for woe or weal.
425
If I my secret in the desert tell,
Bid me not turn to the Mihrab as well.
Oh, first and last of all created things !
'Tis thine to burn or bless, in Heaven or Hell.
426;
Hid in the void was I and thou bid'st me arise, For the world's mad strife may hold full many a prize. Now at thy word I am, and I am distraught : Hold thou the wine-jar straight, I cannot trust mine eyes.
427
From shadowland my falcon spirit flew, To rest in thee and my soul's health renew ; But I found no man who life's secret knows, So by the door I entered I go forth anew.
428
Oh, heart of mine that knoweth all a dream, Why grieve for ills that are not what they seem ? Bend to the blast and trust thy soul to fate : What pen has writ may no man's prayer redeem.
92
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
M0
Wake, for 'tin morn, and thou must lend the throng hi varied harmonics of wine and song; Those who pass on may never turn again, Those who would linger may not tarry long.
480
By day and night the strife rolls on for all,
nin^ on Providence we rise and fall, Nor ever gain save by another's loss, Nor leave we aught behind save as the miles we call.
Ml
Arise, wise man, and bid yon child beware Who sifts the dust in play so free from care; Warn hint that in the way so light esteemed Kaikobad's brains and 1'arvis" eye have naught to spare.
Ml
I '>st in the flood of my desire for thee, By love and wine I would my soul set free ; \Vlu-n freo from self within the Self I stand. To (>ii rest souls the preacher I would be.
100
lirhold me once again a nike proclaimed,
1 01 I omit tin • " tnkl)ir" unashamed
\\lu-ii th" ii\<- |>r u era are said, but pan the nip.
1 mix my neck to it, my \ic»> unturned.
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
434
Were there no need of food or sleep for thee, Not now fourfold were thy necessity. All these may give each taketh back again, Bare as at first thou wert, again shalt be.
435
My love, whose long and happy life I pray May last my sorrow, smiled on thee to-day. On me she cast a glance and passed me by : " Good deeds on waters cast, return to stay."
436
Still by the mists the rose's face is veiled, Still is my soul by lust of wine assailed. Oh, sleep not yet, for sleep there's times enow. Rejoice, my soul, the sunlight hath not failed.
437
Cling to the pure of race and pure in heart, And from unworthy souls keep far apart. Better accept of poison from the wise, Than sweetest thing from one not as thou art.
438
Oh thou who bidd'st the moon wake souls to love By soft rays shed through perfumed jasmine grove, Why bid the wakened soul to close the eye, Or wear a mask lest love thy word approve.
94
ie RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM 100
\\\ nature*! laws no man may disobey
An order given, tlu-n to turn away
A counter order, till the hapless wight
Must wear the mask 'twixt doubt of yea and nay.
MO
Fate i* tin- player, we but pieces played,
drmlly curiiest on the board arrayed; Each fills his destined part awhile, and each In turn to rest in nothingness is laid.
441
Woe for the fate of him who led the war, That his deserts were ruled by such a star,
tli.it his heart was hard as withered bone, His by the wild boar's tusk are scattered far.
\ M
<• from behind the veil has come again
t ell the secret that we sought in vain. Tlu> gain shall be by gift and not by prayer : What chance for truth when prayer controls the main ?
MO
In my sore need the wine-jar's lip I sought
Tli it I illicit learn how length of days is bought.
And thus it poured the secret to my soul :
•• ( )IK ••• I was flesh : drink from me ; life is naught."
95
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
444
Oh, thou exalted over all the great, Say, when doth wine exalt the souFs estate ? Why ? Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, too, Both night and day, and other three days wait.
445
Would'st know whence comes the light that dimly burns ? Twere long to tell though man the truth discerns. Tis but a breath that, risen from the sea, Lingers a while and to the deep returns.
446
Oh, Thou who know'st the secret thought of all, Whose hand in time of need sustaineth all ! O God ! repentance grant, and my excuse Accept, who dost accept excuse from all.
447
What power it was first spun the golden bowl, Then bade such order in such ruin roll, No man may know, nor lore by touchstone prove, Nor balance weigh nor compass mark the scroll.
448
Ask me no question of the time to be, Nor that to come, a phantom that shall flee. Behold this hour is a boon to thee ; Regret not hours past nor future crave to see.
96
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM M0
Oh, wheel ill omen'd, turning but for ill, That rn-Vr di.l any heart's desire fulfil ! K> volvin^ Heaven, whose daily tank is still
I tarter small for great, and ignorance for skill.
450 A raven gazed upon the ruined street
Tin- ilc.ul ki"u-'- skull that rolled beneath his feet,
I to the skull he said, "Alas, poor king! Th v cymbals sound no more ; thy drums no longer beat.'
451
Kh.ivvAm ! dost worship wine? 'tis joy to thee?
i with beauty such may lawful be, >incc after all this world must end in naught, Ix-t joy deny that life must joyless be.
MM
How long must I mine ignorance confess To thee who raised my soul from its distress? I gird me with the Magian's thread, lest shame \\>\ IM.HU shuuu-ti through me my soul possess.
453 This cup whose beauteous form proved its creator's worth,
Till in rvturn he loved the thing he brought to birth ; This worKl, the cup the eternal potter made Anil loved, his luuul h.ith dashed again to earth. 97
454
Come this or that, or come not, 'tis the best, No doubt should vex thy soul or break thy rest. Take of this weary world what gain thou can'st, Ere falls the axe of time on time's own crest.
455
Let good wine's cheerful face bring light to thee ; Let thy friend's help ward thy foe's spite from thee. Calm in thy mind withdraw from sense of self, Till pride and self alike depart from thee.
456
Leave thine own nature and the love of life, Cut thyself loose as warrior for the strife ; With such as union with the Self have gained, Drink ! and be free from all the cares of life.
457
Ah, seek not solace from another's pain : Conquer thine own ; it shall not be in vain. In solitude thy refuge shall be found ; There, if thou seek, the Self shalt find again.
458
Though wine be unlawful, I drink it still ; With song and with lute will I take my fill. If the cup give me red wine, why then I will drink it all, nor one drop I'll spill.
RUBAIYAT o/OM\R KHAYYAM I0B
Last night as I passed by the tavern door
I saw an old man who a wine-jar bore.
I said, '* Old man, hast thou no fear of God?"
it . I'roui God is mercy. Drink, and say no mo;
460 The days of youth are passed away, the steeds we rode are
sped, The pomp and lust of life are' gone, the loves we loved are
dead, The bow that sped the shaft is broke, the shaft bent as the
bow, The bread of life is steeped in gall, its wine the tears we
shed.
461
That wine which Khi/r of good fortune guards, Water of life, and I Elias towards, I deem it food for heart and mind as well, Since God its name, " A boon to man," awards.
MM
Desire drew me forth to pleasant deeds. Says he, " My presence sure thy parting speeds." So was my heart enHumed with woe for him : Fuel was fire found ; fire served fuel's needs.
46S ( )h, wheel refrain, nor draw me down to thee,
\Vho >tvke»t after lust, now am I far from tlir«-, Thou in the depths; desire and emptiness Would surely weary me of life and thee.
99
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
464
A little grief for effort come to naught —
Sorrow is still the meed of sober thought.
So take what joy thou canst, nor hug the chain ;
Grief brings nor more nor less than fate has brought.
465
An' thou wilt listen to advice from me, For God's sake cast pretence away from thee. The doom of sin's for ever. Life's a breath. Eternal pain a poor exchange would be.
466
My good deeds one by one I bring, my sins come ten by ten ; Thou pardonest in pity for the frailties of men. Let not fresh sins, I pray thee, kindle thy wrath to flame ; The prophet's dust shall plead for me, Forgive me once again.
467
Last night I halted by the potter's stall, A thousand pots were there, and silent all, Till with one voice all cried aloud, " Behold, The potter, seller, buyer, each and all."
468
In vain pretence of happiness I sup An unboiled pot as I would drink it up. Potter ! if of my clay a cup be made, None save a wine-seller shall buy that cup.
100
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
Drink of thr \viiu- that life immortal brings, Whence all our youth may know of pleasure spring*; Though it should burn as fire, its spirit still ves living water to all earthly thing*.
470
In sooth good \»in»-\ a spirit in the bow),
• rd from tin- (la.sk which thus pours forth a soul , No dullard should companion be of mine, But wit of wine and cup may head the roll.
471
For long I dared look all men in the face, Hut \vln> may bear fate's undeserved disgrace? Drink from the wine-jar, drink, with lute and song, Ere yet the jar of life fall from its place.
mn
The morn is conn-, the skirt of night is rent, ArUe and take the joy that Heaven has sent. Drink while ye may, for many a day shall dawn And seek for us whose dust in earth is blent.
473
Though now of pure and stainless life we tell, Though but a while on earth as guests we dwell,
Yi-t \\im- IIIHN MK>UK- tin- sorrow of the uiorn, I -Ire come the evening ami the lost farewell. 1OI
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
474
Vesture of life that every night is torn Afresh by fate and mended ere the morn ; Sorrow and joy the hours bring in turn; Drawn from the wave earth grants a grave forlorn.
475
If Heaven has no peace for me, why, war will serve, And if there be no fame for me, why, shame will serve. Bring me a draught of wine, red wine ; let scorners 'ware, Who drinks not may his head the stone deserve.
476
Oh, wheel that hast the pledge of salt forgot, Stripped bare to be is my unhappy lot : The distaff serves at least to clothe a pair — The distaff sure the greater worth has got.
477
How long beneath the unrelenting wheel We pray for respite from its fiery zeal ; Though burned and seared the soul, yet once again Each moment doth fresh miseries reveal.
478
Hast thou no fear of fires that burn for aye ? Will not repentance wash thy sins away ? When winds of fate have quenched thy lamp of life, Earth may be shamed thy dust in earth to lay.
102
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
479
A little while we bear this world's distress,
A little while we pan in joy fulness,
A little while we nit upon the gran :
Drink, then, while ye the wine-cup still possess.
480
Free from the trammels of desire vain, Contentment by the cup we still may gain ; In solitude, or with the cup to cheer, All that we here may learn may man attain.
481
No man is wise who has not learnt to know That all we see is but a phantom show. Rest and rejoice, and drink while yet ye may, And banish vain illusions ere ye go.
IH
breezes kiss the tress ye seek in vain, And hard it is to curb the steed of pain. Men say ye cannot see with seeing eyes : If they Ix? mini-, I seek their sight in vain.
168
Drink ! for nor deeds nor wisdom may deserve, Naught save Almighty grace for thee may serve. Ye sinners, who like asses drink of wine, M>>re than all cattle shall your vision swerve. 103
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
484
While maids be fair as fairest flower that in the garden blows Loose not thy hold upon the cup, as bud to blossom grows, Ere yet the blast of fate upon thy joy blow cold, The leaves of life to scatter as the petals of the rose.
485
Still drones the tale, " Eternity and fate," But little recks my soul of soon or late. Drink, for the gift of wine naught else may share, Or loose the knot of troubles small and great.
486
Fll hear the wine-jar's softly murmurM tale, Sweet song of linnet and of nightingale. Were song forbid the wine-jar's voice were dumb ; Wine without song for joy would naught avail.
487
From lowest deep of earth to highest heaven I solved each riddle that the spheres are given ; I cast aside the net of craft and fraud, But still the knot of fate remained unriven.
488
Neither by bribe of wealth nor fond request The secrets of the truth are manifest ; When fifty years of life in toil are spent, In union with the truth thy soul may rest.
104
T/ie RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
MO
List not, O soul, to tales of craft and fraud ; Ti ue wisdom lies in wine, and faith it broad. If peace of mind be food unto the soul,
found in wine und on the verdant sward.
100
No man has known unending space or tin.' . V»r any man returned from that fur cliine Beyond the grave ; through hope and fear we past ^ain a name, and mark the hour's chime.
491
How long shall I for other's sins l>e shamed ? hopes all unfulfilled by time be blamed ? Vet I rejoice that evil days will pass, Anil rosy wine once more in cup be framed.
101
If the Almighty will not my desire,
Tin n rvil is my scheme of life entire.
In aught He has not willed should virtue- lu ,
Tin. 11 all I hope for sure must wake His ire.
MO
ll« the Creator lit the flame, though Ix>rd of mercy still, Still may the u-l>rl Dinner ho[>e submissive to His will.
lay thy deeds are foul and dark, to-day thy guilt is dear ;
morrow shall His mm v dr\ lx>nes with life fulfil. 105
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
494
Though guilt of mine the face of earth should brand, Yet will I trust in that sustaining hand. Were promise given for hour of need alone, What need so great as this in which I stand.
495
Though I lifers tender leaf should rend in twain, The laughing wine should cloud with tears again. Arise and pass the cup ! for it may be I break instead this sad world's galling chain.
496
Far on thy track the steed of joy I drove, Nor sought for self reward in rest and love. But now what may I do to reach the gate ? I who for house of pain have lost my place above.
497
Lord, thou didst mould my clay — what share had I ? Silk or wool clothe me, Lord — what choice had I ? And all I ever did of good or ill, Who wrote it on my forehead ? 'Twas not I.
498
I may not ever quench desire's flame ; My sinful flesh and sins I weep in vain. Thou wilt have mercy, that indeed I know. My soul lies bare — where is my share of blame ? 106
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
499
Thy soul and mine are as a compass found, One body serves two beads to circle round , Yrt in the «•!,.! must ever needs agree
meet where fate has set the circles bound.
BOO
And this revolving sky, beneath whose sway We wander dax/lcd in the light of day : Tin- MID its lump; the world its guarding shade; We, moving shadows of the lanterns'" play.
501
Doth this vile world the bond of friendship know, Whriv truth and trust alike are empty show? Twere best to draw the skirt aside, and pass Fair speech and salutation as we go.
502
They say, "The wine I worship, that am I. And this I know, for drunk with wine am I . Yet look not only on the outward form, , after all, that which I am am I.,
MM
The door of love I closed in my despair Upon myself, and all men's burden bear* Both good and c \il ; yet whatever my sta M' who can save of all is well aware. 107
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
504
And dost thou deem that of myself I came ? That by my will I tread this path of flame ? Nay, when the truth was born I sprang from him, Or else where was that self? If I yet not the same.
505
Never since first I saw the light did I from wine abstain, Nor on this night of power will I from joy refrain. Lip to the wine-jar's lip I'll press and breast to breast of clay, And every day around her neck I'll fling my arms again.
506
Lightly I cried, " Red wine no more I'll drink. 'Tis the grape's blood, from bloodshed I must shrink." The sage replied, " Thou speakest as a slave." I said, " I did but jest ; again I'll drink."
507
Was man the purpose of creation's scheme ? The jewel marking wisdom by its beam ? The circling world creation's signet ring, And we the perfect stamp imprinted seem.
508
Where all united firm in purpose stand, We fear not grief, for joy we may command ; And softer blows the morning breeze because when we are
gone,
Full many a breeze of morn shall blow to wake the sleeping land.
108
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
ne
For love of theo a thousand ills I bear, V i '!il I'll pay thee double .share, Tin. 'Hi .ill my life it take to pay in full, Or till the Judgment Day the lore.
510
Till sorrow's hand the cup to me present, Water may ne'er my thirsty soul content ; Y«-t ^ince I may not tnist my fellow man, In hitter sorrow all my days are spent.
511
Now is my trust in wine without avail, My balm is poison and my cure doth fail. < ,n. f tin- world's bane, but wine should ease the smart ; Who knows the cure him should no doubts assail.
512
With care the queen I moved, but soon in sha> My knight that was a sorry pawn became ; Of king and castle though I weary now, My l>Mii>j> conquers all and wins the game.
5115
Still shall my nature turn to genial wine.
'•mul of lute and harp my soul im-line. If of my clay the potter make a jar, Twill hold good liquor still to prove 'tis min. 109
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
514
Wheel that in turning only sorrow brings, Set free a soul deserving better things, And if thy grace to fools alone incline; Of such am I. Of me no singer sings.
. 515
First of the band of vagabonds am I,
Fallen by disobedience from on high ;
Whose days and nights in wine and wassail pass,
May stand my sponsor and may grieve as I.
516
I cannot live without the wine I love, So should my life too sore a burden prove ; My yearning senses long to hear the call, " Drink yet one more," nor feel desire to move.
517
This world's a phantom show. Then why should I In aught save wine and joy delight the eye? They bid me seek repentance of the Lord ; But Fd refuse, if He should not deny.
518
The outward form of all things well I know, Of that which is and is not, high and low ; Yet all this knowledge would I freely give A greater joy that springs from wine to know, no
RTHAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
519
No more we'll grieve in thin old spinning ball, Save rosy wine we'll drink no more at all ; Wine's the world's blood, th. world our murderer: Shall we not drink his blood who murders all ?
MO
We, fancy-led through gardens of delight)
lYoiii lowest depths have scaled the heaven's height ;
•A i;< M our earth-stained robe is cast aside, We- who urn- dust at dawn are dust again at night.
521
Oh, thou who judgest men, my judgment still Mon- jn^t than thine though wine my veins may fill. Thou shedd'st man's Mood. I blood of grape alone: Be just and own, which of us two doth ill '
SM
One hand upon tin \\ord, and on the cup one hand, ^ow pure and now corrupt behold me stand ; Tin- a/me heavens ht-hold a dual form, Not wholly splint nor yt-t tin- Dinner's brand.
618
I drink, yet am no drunkard ; though of wine My soul app PI r hand of mine
Shall stretch too far. And thus. Idolater! I 'scape their sin who deem themselves <li\im . 1 1 1
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
524
I sought the cup of Jamshid, I wandered far and near, Nor rest by day nor sleep by night, but ne'er did aught
appear ;
I bade the teacher tell the sign that I the cup might know. He spake : " The cup is all the world, and Jamshid, thou art
here.'1
525
Pity it is we linger here in pain, Our youth a world disjointed turns again, Yet though all gifts were mine this world could give, And my desire were not, 'twere all in vain.
526
The pilgrim's robe, the wine-jar's gift divine, The tavern's dust shall seal my sin with wine ; Perchance within the tavern I may find, That which I lost, and it again be mine.
527
Within the mosque I bow in reverence, Yet of my prayers I hardly make pretence ; Though once, indeed, a prayer-carpet I stole : When that is worn, I'll take another thence.
528
And if in Ramadan I fasted not, I never sinned because I had forgot ; But when through weariness my day was night, I thought the " Sahr " was come, though it was not.
112
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KH \YYAM
ne
I see the world decked out in garish how, No • plan of gift* to win or lose ;
Ami, l)\ the Ixml ! even within the cup M •. own defects reflected nothing lose.
an
'I'll.- lists of life, that I iv the will of God
I i ut> !<d, 'neath men's feet to be down-trod;
•_'ht is as I would have it: would 'twere done : And I passed on, to sleep beneath the sod.
m
I low should I sell life's crown and seal for naught - Can choicest wares for empty sounds be bougl And yet the beads that mark my steps to grace, for a draught I'd give without a thought.
Hi
Since no secure abiding place I find, Why should I, truckling to a fate unkind, Abandon pleasure? What to me if tini. lie past or present when 'tis left behind ?
588
I 'urc from the void I came, but sin's dark stain Hums in my soul, though fall my tears in vain. 1 flung my fortune to the winds, and now M \ I sorrows seek the dust again,
1 1 \ u
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
534
Beneath the feet of destiny we're cast, So, void of hope, the days move slowly past. They will not make a goblet of my clay Lest, filled with wine, I live again at last.
535
Because my love is scorned I dwell in pain ;
Each dreaded morn still rends my heart in twain.
This fleeting life my one-and-orphan pearl,
All sense of freedom lost, while grief and dread remain.
536
Though as a flame of fire I cross the sky, Though crystal stream no purer be than I, Yet naught save wine this phantom world may give, For I, who sprang from earth, in earth must lie.
537
Lord ! though my sins are legion, yet in truth I sinned against myself, my life, my youth ; And since I trusted fully in Thy grace, After repentance sinned again, forsooth.
538
So long as wine unlawful be for man, The gate of mercy hath the wider span. Would'st know the reason I delight in wine? It sets me free from self, my only plan. 114
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
A little while the teacher's yoke we know, A little while the thoughts unfettered flow, i v«-t th* riddle's answer all may read: came from earth and to the winds ye go,
540
If fate for us no present sorrow bear, Let us together drink to drown dull care, Lest the dark messenger who calls us home Time for a parting draught too brief declare.
541
< Oiiii , let us weep the morrow while we may, And count as gain this life that lasts a day. To-morrow ? Why, to-morrow we may see This aged world seven thousand yean away.
542
Well may we wake the night and slumber not, l-'ni- many a dawn shall break, our lives forgot; So on the neck of grief with foot of joy We stand to greet the dawn, and tremhh- not.
M6
Though wine be bitter, better so than none. Fast days and time of pravcr to me are on The grajH- for mr i- lu->t within the j:» Lord, let it not IK- spoilt till I have done. US
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
544
As ever, now the wilderness I seek, Where dwell the kalendars whose rule I keep. O Thou from whom no secrets may be hid, Grant me Thy grace when I election seek.
545
Wine sweeps away the web that clouds the brain ; By wine the firmest bonds are rent in twain. Had Iblis drunk one drop, had bowed the knee To Adam, and two thousand times again.
546
Now by no grain of sorrow are we vext ;
Food for the hour we have — who cares whence come the next ?
So love shall fashion fair full moons for me :
By vain desires ne'er am I perplext.
547
My case is laid before the courts of love, Love's light enough to melt my soul doth prove ; There, when with wine of love I'm purified, My love's fair face my plaint shall just approve.
548
The circling Heaven no face save evil wears. I hate the nature base my life declares : No lore have I to combat earthly ills, Nor wit to set me free from earthly snares.
116
r/u RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
N0
How long lie we in bondage to a wisdom rain ?
NYh.it though one hundred years or one day we remain ?
I MIL: tlu- wine-jar ere we find ourselves Ranged in the potter's shop— clay once again.
800
I low long wilt thou protest, O fledgling pries Against mine evil choice of wine and feast? T.-ll thou thy beads and show thy piety : Music and mistress I prefer at least.
Beyond our ken beneath the sward they lie, The vanished pilgrims of a day gone I Ami outer space is pregnant with the shades hose passed on and those who come to
MM
I fear lest, when I reach the world again, I mav not meet with kindred souls again. To-day I dwell with (Jood, and fortune deem, Yet never may these moments come again.
50fl
I f I ;un one forever drunk with wine; I set no store save by the cup divine. () youni; di.sciple ! pu^> inv counsel by, 1 or «ine and women'* lips be loves of mine.
"7
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
554
Thy mercy doth from guilt my soul assure ; By Thee provided, I'll the road endure Till, for Thy favour's loss, my cheek grow pale. The blackest record of my sins is pure.
555
The feast is come, so drain a cup with me, With plaint of viol and lute's melody ; While cheer of comradeship the spirits raise, Lest weight of wine so rare oppressive be.
556
Come, friend, nor heed what fate the morrow bring ; This present hour's the only certain thing. Never was sin of mine but well was known Long ere I sinned : so why the changes ring ?
557
Deem not I dread the world though life be drear, Or fear my life to lose though life be dear. I fear not death, for death at least is true ; To live in shame — 'tis that alone I fear.
558
Though drunken now with magic wine I be, Though Pagan and Idolater be names to me, Though every creed and every tongue speak ill, I spring from self, and that I am must be.
118
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
M
Come, and with all who vainly strive we'll open war proclaim. Drink (K <•{>. that so our honour we bring to open ih.i Dunk, and l>e sure you drink in . \-iy place of ill repute, And break in pieces small the crystal flask of our good name.
560
W.-'ll n ml the garment of the faithless friend ; Drink tlmt his name to lie in mire we send. I'll sell rrli^ion for u rup of w: ! I my num.- tor wine and make an end.
561
IN it unlawful I should whisper thee What man's endowment from his birth must be ? With pain o'erburdened, lapped in sorrow's clay. He tastes of earth, but naught of joy may see.
562
We ne'er forget to make tin- wine-vault ring, With joyful shout we pass the cup and sing; Turlian and Koran will we sell for wine : Hut the school door we pass, nor touch a th
M
" -loseph of Kgypt am I," said the rose; " Kirh ruby set with gold my beauty shows." Said 1, " Ami art thou Joseph, give a sign." Suul she, - My liUxnl-stained robe each lover knows.**
119
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
564
And if I seek to grasp thy tresses fair,
In truth I would not shrink if thou wert there ;
For in thy splendour justified I see;
The fond heart's love my voiceless hands declare.
565
When I would die to self, more life have I ; Would I exalt myself, lower sink I ; And stranger yet, that from the wine of life The more I gather wit, more drunk am I.
566
The morning dawns, and now shall wine and lute Shatter the goblet of my fair repute. Hopes and desires I relinquish now ; But raven tresses, wine, and song will suit.
567
'Twere better for a while to banish care, For what has been or yet may be to bear, To free the soul our master lends us here From bonds of sense and prison of despair.
568
One day that down the potter's street I passed, Myself among the pots set out I classed, And thought, " Before my clay's brought here to work,"" From some one else's clay I'll drink my last.
120
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
A moment's being snatched from jealous fate, A leaf that falls too early or too late ; I'll lift tlu \\orld t<. find my pleasure here, those who'll sift my clay are at the gate.
570
( >h, days when bound bv fate I strive in vain !
( Mi, life whose breath was ever drawn with pain ' H-hool of time where oft in grief I sat, never saw the circle's lesson plain.
571
Can souls ensnared still hover round the net ? ( >i lovr niu-\s where old love lingers yet? How shall my tears a moment cease to flow, Till in sonic other's frame mine eyes be se
572
The >iurh forbidden ears may never hear, The breath we draw beside a comrade di- . \\ •• Mich of mini- for any save for thee, I \sfll might die nor face the future drear.
Ne'er shall inv j>earl of price be sold for naught, \nr all I sutler for thee may be bought ; A grave beside tin-.- .Iiuiohid's realm outweighs; A hair of thiiu- transcends the realms of Uiought. 121
The RUBA1YAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
574
Now roses are in bloom what choice is mine ? Though deed of mine break not the law divine, And though I meet fair sinners on the meads, And passion master sense, need I repine ?
575
" Philosopher " I'm branded by my foes, Yet do they lie in this, as God He knows ; To this abode of sorrows though I came, None knoweth less than I who I disclose.
576
Oh, world of woe, of secrets probed in vain ! Oh, riddle vast, whose sense none maketh plain ! We hear soul cry to soul behind the veil ; We raise the veil, nor voice nor souls remain.
577
Man's soul the world, and the world naught but clay, While man's desires heavenly forms array. The labouring womb the universe proclaims : God's unity is here ; all else is fancy's play.
578
That ancient rolling sphere whose sole employ Is still to waste the garden of my joy : Blind justice leads the blinder fool to sin, Nor warns him lest the act his hope destroy.
122
The RUBA1VAT /OMAR KHAYYAM
heel of fate, whose doom in vain 1 flee,
\\ ho m;ik'-4 my pain another'* remedy, How oft iii peace have I been true to thee ? How oft in war hast thou been false to me?
HO
Arise, nor vainly grieve that worlds should roll ,
• present happiness content thy soul. Did fortune in the world too faithful prove, Would chances come where others pay the lull -
581
Though 1 would bear an all unsullied name, To curse the world's malevolence were shame ; Hetter to seek oblivion from the grape Than claim acquittal through atonement tame.
M
II . .< mercy on a heart oppressed with woe, < Mi life mid soul imprisoned here below; Pardon tin- feet that wandered from the road, The hands that all too well the wine-cup know.
M
Twere ill to cloud with sorrow hours of joy, Or h.ippiness with load of grief destroy ; Hut we who know not what the morrow brings, With wine and woman may the time eni|>. 123
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
584
No follower have I in life's debate, My own complaint alone is my estate ; And since mine eyes are ever tearful found, My griefs the only tale I may relate.
585
My heart, so sorrowful and racked with pain, With love is filled, and yet its woes remain. Surely the day the wine of love was poured, My cup was filled with gall once and again.
586
By creed and doctrine these are sore distressed, Twixt doubt and certainty their souls oppressed ; But sudden from the shades a voice proclaims, " O fools ! by neither road shall ye find rest.1'
587
Oh, ye who day and night this world behold, Nor reck of what the last day shall unfold, Bethink ye of your end, and to yourselves Apply the moral other's fate has told.
588
They bid me from the cup I love refrain, They ask the plea on which I drink again ; I say thy beauty is my fair excuse, My morning draught, and thus my reason's plain.
124
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
088
\\ ould it were given me to rule on high, I'd v.vr. p the old Clod's law from out the sky, And set the stars anew, BO might I gain heart's desire ere yet the time goes t>\ .
1 1< u mil Uk<- heed, O first and oldest friend ! Reck not of what the unstable skies portend ; Hut wait the judgment day, and sit secure, Watching the wheel whose changes ne'er shall end.
591 Feel ye no shame for niin ye have wrought ?
things forbidden done, for shrines unsought? Though all the world were yours to take or leave, What could ye choose but leave it, bearing nauglr
M
Thou who did'st come to earth a king to reign, To change corruption into light again : An evil yestenlav, no morn to come, Should warn thee that to-day must be in vain.
593
Must fortune ever bow the neck to thee?
'Tis thin*- to rhfri^h that is given thee;
dffin tlu- lift- thoti luist • i (iod,
limk life's wine and let grief pass from the*. 125
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
594
Mine eyes behold the cup with life fulfilled As oil with smoothness. When my being thrilled With joy thereat, where was the fault to find ? Water with fire pregnant Thou hast willed.
595
List not to those of days to come who tell ; Drink the full draught of full achievement's well. Yet those who mark thy deeds in turn must pass, Or come again to speak of what befell.
596
Parwin, the bull, keeps guard on Heaven's gates, And one beneath the earth in ambush waits ; Yet may the eyes of wisdom both control, Nor drive the ass of lust between such mates.
597
To live as would compel us wisdom true We know is right, yet know not how to do, Till Time, the teacher, comes with scourge in hand, Unlearned heads with knowledge to imbue.
598
Last night in spirit and in purity I sought the tavern, joy's increase to see. He brought the cup, and bade me take and drink, And when I would not, whispered, "'Tis for me." 126
RUBA1YAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
m
Oh, thou who dost creation'* etui fulfil, Behold this seething most of good and ill. The cupbearer has still u cup in hum I, So take, and thus escape both worlds' ill-will.
600
Since in this world of sorrow man may gain Naught save distress, nor may from it refrain .
jiv is he who early passed away, And blessed is he who never knew its pain.
601
This world, that ever turns but never rests, Two orders of mankind with service vests: OIK- knoweth all thrn-in, both good and ill; The other naught of self and less of worldly guests.
m
All souls are turned to water, and shed our hearts" best blood. How should we see the naked truth, without the veil who
stood?
Tin MI by whose deed is wisdom turned away from us and lost; 'I'll.- uorld in tht-e, and by thee reft of all that made for good.
With wine and women fair our days we spend Could saiictitv provide M> fair an rial ' \Vh\. it' tin v t,MV»- tin- >inniTs wine in Hrll, No thought of Heaven would give them grace to mmd.
127
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
604-
If never to my soul repentance came, 'Tis that my drinking is nor sin nor shame. The quibbler finds it is unlawful. True ; But if the honest drink, am I to blame ?
605
Still must I grieve that this old shrine of fate Has wrought me service neither small nor great. Ere yet I strip the garment from the shell, Warm me with wine in pity for my state.
606
Speak not of tooth and claw thou hunted'st not ; Tell not the tale of that thou knowest not. When sages bid thee tell them of the truth, Weep, but of that thine eyes have seen tell not.
607
Oh, grant the world may gently with me deal, And mine ill deeds from fellow-men conceal ; Bid me enjoy to-day, and let the morn That which Thy mercy meteth out reveal.
608
O Lord, from self-esteem deliver me; Teach me to strive with self, and set me free ; My waking senses good from evil know, But let me sleep while thou redeemest me. 128
RUIMIY T n\I \K KH \^
m
Fail not to take the chance that sets thee free ' .1 yoke and rhain this old u«>ild hinds on thce; Tin- hour ->hall « ome hut once, and ne'er return, So Urry not by words assured to l>. .
610
Now by the sky whose tortoise dome a tyrant world upln Ttx rolling age that all things \ il»- still shadows and enfolds. Mine ryes' salt tears bedew my cheek as were a nip fulfilled. So my full In-art within my breast its sanguine \ intage holds.
611 I saw the outcast who the waste did rove,
without world or nv«-d, or hojie in Heaven ab<> Nor Ciod, nor truth, nor law, nor certainty. To whom should such as this shine as the star of love?
612
While y«-t thoii ran'st beside the sinner .stand, Deetros tin- plastic that doth corrupt the land.
mf.s advice is still the sar Dunk wine or rob. but rob with gentle haiul.
613
II<- who hath knowledge of this world's estate,
»v and joy with even mind may wait ;
A In ii t is passed and gone for good or ill, All pain or gain alike would come too late.
129 i
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
614
Dwell not on days that now are gone from thee, Nor dread the morrow thou may'st never see ; Thy comings and thy goings all forget : Be merry now, nor waste the hours that flee.
615
Now tells the nightingale her thousand tales : If to give aught save wine the reveller fails, We rise to hear the rose's cup declare The garden granteth joy ; naught else avails.
616
The cup of life shall hold thee of good-will ; Thy soul, the soul of life, with life shall fill. As fire in water shining, we may see The ruby in the casket ruby still.
617
And when the holy dead from earth shall rise, And in the body ride the thronging skies, Let not the stain of blood be mine to wear : "Twere ill to rise beside thee in such guise.
618
Behold the ill this rolling sphere hath wrought : Search the round world for friendship, there is naught. Do thou suffice thyself while yet thou can'st ; To-morrow shall thy need have passed, nor yesterday be sought.
130
IMT.MYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM 818
What shall my coming or m\ • "ing gain? Or what shall fire my life's high hojic again '
Id spiinon whilt- xonls are burnt with fire, Nor even may that burning's smoke remain.
8M)
( ) love ! I pray thee take the cup and jar*
And seek the brook side where fair meadows are ;
many a form that men have counted fair Hath turned to cl.iy beneath life's funeral car.
621
The wells of life lie hid within thy lip. How should the wine-jar dare such nectar sip? \Vt-ll mav I drink his blood, for who is he 'rii.it he -hould taste such blissful fellowship?
8M
The palace that to Heaven its columns threw; Tin- throne whose steps a king's abasement knew :
I saw the i -ing-dove on its ruined porch
-ently sighing," Where.' oh, where? Coo! coo!"
8H
Where be the lips that mock the ruby's hue? And when- the wine thil gives us life am Though wine for Muslims .-ill unhiwful Drink thoii. nor reek of Islam false or true.
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
624
And though thou drink, forget not wisdom due, Nor part with sense to choose 'twixt false and true. Would'st thou, for thee, the red wine lawful know, To none wish ill, yet guard thy senses too.
625
No eye so dim but may be lit by thee, No fool so weak but may find strength in thee. Thy power the Godhead's measure doth approve : Unworthy energies are far from thee.
626
Thy soul and mine alike shall pass away When sweeps destruction o'er our little day ; Yet, when no longer Heaven's blue vault we know, Oft shall the moonlight kiss our sleeping clay.
627
O Thou whose power brought me to the birth, Whose grace hath sheltered me while here on earth ; Though for a hundred years I dare to prove Thy mercy than my sins of greater worth.
628
Soul ! as a ball that down the field He threw, Pass on to right or left, as urged anew ; For He who cast thee 'mid the trampling crew, He knew the end — He, and no other, knew. 132
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
010
This rolling sphere, for HP .-iml thec the ti Of woo nnd grief that bear*, envies the pride ( >f life tluit in us dwells. Yet sit with me, And cru-h a flask ere life shall leave our si<l. .
630
Now will I buy good wine, both new and old, Though right and left good seats in Heaven be sold. I)id'>t a>k me, after death where goes my soul ? di\c me the wine, and go. My tale is told.
631
When from thine eyes the light of life is fled, Another rules the house where thou wa>t w« il. Men come and go, and little know or care That 'neath their feel one uho was lord lies dead.
001
When thy soul and mine own have passed away, Upon our tombs a brick or two they'll lay ; Then if for other tombs a brick they need, Thy clay or mine will >erve the turn, they'll say.
000
Would'st thou be wise, from envy still be free,
\or let base avarice en com pass thee;
Be swift as fire, tender as rippling stream,
"> < I not as dust In-fore the wind to flee. '33
T/ie RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
634
What man is sinless in this world of woe ? If thou find such, record it ere thou go. I too have sinned ; and then to purge my sin I sinned again. Who, then, may virtue know ?
635
All these thou dost outweigh a hundredfold ; My secret still from fools thou dost withhold. Yet, lo ! what dost thou ""mid the sons of men Since eye of man thine eyes may ne'er behold ?
636
What power and life is mine is all of thee : World, soul, and heart, that is mine own, is thee ; Thou art my being, every being thine, And I am naught ; yet am I all in thee.
637
O heart, of this world's woe what did I say ? Said I that bowers of bliss should mark thy way ? What wilt thou do ? " Mine house unfurnished all,"" Say thou, " I entered not,1' and flee away.
638
Let me not spent by time's injustice lie, Nor bid my soul to grieve for souls passed by ; Only my heart at my love's feet I'll lay, Then seek good wine, nor waste the hours that fly. 134
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
The counsel wise we fin.l in courts of love ( )ur sure defence from time's assault shall prove. U <• drink the nip of pleasure while we may, Cheered and refreshed that wine our spirits move.
640
Why. fri. nd, by this world's trials be distressed?
li.um- it should not be confessed; I or u ht-n thy robe of life is changed for clay, Wliat matters " was," or ** was not," or ** was guessed.'
641
T\* ere just complaint that life were lived in shame, That sinful joys life's daily round became, it laws were broken, duties unperform* Right left undone, and all deeds worthy blame.
642
Sim o more than sixty years life may not last, M"'. .- not a step till the full cup be passed; Ami ere thy skull be made a cup for wine Go buy a jar of clay, and hold it fast.
A while doth i-nvy mortal man pursue.
Did thy soul tiiul its mate the wide world through ?
Mm come and go, but as they pass along
Who spends one moment a* he fain would
644
All we are drunken profligates to-day, Consort with vagabonds, and go their way : Beauty and spirit from our faith have fled ; For lust and drunkenness alone we pray.
645
More than thy Kingdom's worth a draught of wine, More than aught save what treads the path divine. The wine-cup far outweighs Fariduns realm ; The palace is not worth one stone of Jamshid's shrine.
646
And hast thou also fallen for a day, Beguiled by Avine and pagans fair to stray ? Turban from head, cup from the hand alike Fallen, nor thou in better case than they.
647
Behold the form in which thou moulded'st me ; A hundred marvels hast thou wrought in me. Better than this I surely cannot be : Why should repentance be enjoined on me ?
648
True, we have sworn repentance oft in vain, Only to bind our bonds of shame again. Yet, if we sinned unknowing, was it sin ? Drunken with love were we — our fate was plain.
136
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
810
Ah me ! who drank »h« n dtvgs of wine were sold. Who ;: ur tu good and ill a welcome cold,
;li both worlds to my feet -houM roll, I'd say, ,ou art 05 I was who was drunk of old."
650
Daily I vow this night I will repent,
No more my life in wassail shall be sjx
Hut the 'pring comes, and roses bloom again .
Dear Lord, with good intentions be content.
651
Had\t (lion the world's foundations in thy hand, Thou \\ert not of it. See thy being stand Tui\t nothingness and nothingness alone
shores around, but never bark to land.
on
JJchold the- world's foundations overset ; Upon the worldly-wise who throng it The wine-jar and the cup who loved so well, See the blood flow where lips in love have met.
500
What hand hath raised thee uj>, () love of mine, Whose rising doth the morn's bright face outsh
heir faces for the feast ad. Hut thy .swei njht» all with love divine.
'37
T/ie RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
654
Heed not the clamorous strife that fills the earth ; Drink from his hand who bears the draught of worth : For that which through thy grace to-day was born, To-morrow shall be changed, and shall give birth.
655
I saw the drunkard lie ; his brow was bared, The temple of his wisdom all uncared ; Empty of sense, and filled with wine he lay, Yet he in waking praise to God declared.
656
How shall the sluggard grace the hearth or hall In this life, whose illusion fills them all ? Wine is thy mistress, and the lamp is thine : The flood shall cover him when thou shalt call.
657
Brows that for my faint heart still virgin shine ; Life-giving cup ne'er kissed by lips of mine : Oh, sorrow that my life's long night should come, Nor ever night crown day with joy divine.
658
Bring the health-giving wine I love so well, And bring the cup whose beauty casts a spell, The wine that as a chain my soul entwines, Though I be mad for this Heaven's grace to sell. 138
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
Hid 1 1 ic t -uplM-am wine at morn to bring,
I'uir win. , though to our senses wine may cling.
I!* n- w.- in \\iKI illu>ioi) wander all,
So let the summons round tin- wide world ring.
880
l)osl know that thou art fallen, whence did'st fall ? Art free to speak, Head, mouth, and teeth withal? T< a tongues hadM thou, thev .til were silent now; Two hundred hands, no strength among them all.
661
Were the world guided to lh\ will, what tl, And when il:\ life's last page is read, w ha tin Though for u hundred years thy heart's de> And yet u hundred more were given, what then ?
662
M« 11 say the miser is by sorrow cured : By wine and song may sorrow be endured. Yet wisdom holds that by one drop of wine A hundred sorrows' worth is well assured.
It hou go, and whence art come again ? Hack bent, with hoofs for nails and hairy mane, Th\ name forgot li-n l>\ t he sons of men— A living toki-ii how man's life must wane. »39
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
664
Though Barak and Firoz thy coursers be, Let not vain pride in fortune master thee, Who may victorious o'er the heavens ride ? Each day in turn fresh hopes will scattered see.
665
Why vex thy soul with tangled law and line ? Rather with fragrant locks thy locks entwine, Or ere time waste thy blood within the tomb, Shed thou the wine-jar's blood in cup divine.
666
The nightingale may well the beauty mourn Of yon sweet rose, by envious breezes torn. Drown deep your cares in wine, for many a rose The winds shall bury in a grave forlorn.
667
Though want is better than unlawful gain, Who could from wine at fair maid's hand refrain ? High revel and the vagrant's freedom too, For what one drop can give ye search in vain.
668
Is it thy grace hath made us what we are ? Obey we or refuse, stand fast or wander far ; Thy favour at thy will thou dost dispense, To deem things done as naught, as one to make or mar. 140
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KII \VVAM
inorii, and I with wine and woman here;
•MI rcjM-nt mee came not near. U ouldM tell in.- th.it ..Id t.-de of Noah's flood? bring me peace of mind, and then I'll hear.
670
me red wine musk scented to set free \l\ M>ul from sound of words that weary me;
. fla.sk of wine ore envious fate Make jars of clay that once was me and thee.
671
Tin- hermit vainly dreamt h<- mi^ht atone Hv pni\er and fasting t,> the world unknown. Fill thy cup <|iiicklv, for et»-rnitv, Tin- tiling that i> must be, has ever shown.
We are but earth and water, fire and w • Made and unmade are we by power divim- While we the l>ody wear our li^ht i- dimin The Ixxly spent, the soul at length may shi
The jMith of dread is still the way of life; Beneath the sod we seek repose from sti iien thr jourin-N miU for me and <. We sleep, and know nut this nor other
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
674
O thou who naught dicTst well, but all things ill, Yet by God's grace so far doth work His will, Trust not in pardon, for this rede is sure, That whether done or left, each act must fate fulfil.
675
Be service great or small, 'tis naught to Thee, So in Thy service ever would I be. Thou grantest fortune, and dost ills withhold ; Lord, deal in mercy even so with me.
676
Good wine is here and bright the morn doth shine, Though to intemperance our guest incline ; My burning heart may sure from dust be raised, So mix not o'er much water with the wine.
677
Give me another cup of rosy wine ; Take thou my fire, but let the draught be mine. Till reason shall overcome my heart's desire, My love shall be the wine-jar's form divine.
678
Now bud and blossom call to wine and glee : A truce to sanctity — come drink with me ; Ere fate cut short the measure of my days, We'll drink beside the stream though moments flee.
142
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
079
The neason of our youth comes not again :
\Y. II ilrink a cup to banish care and pain.
I locked the door at dawn, that we may pledge
rising MM, ere he must sink a^
8BO
Tlu-y who have sojourned here and gone before, Their dreiun of pride is past; they wake no more. Drink and pass on, and learn the truth I tell, All 1 1 ion hast seen are shadows and no more.
681
en\ ious fate no respite gives to man, (iive me the cup; I'll drink while \i-t 1 can. Twrre shame in vain resets to waste the time; In these few days two worlds of life we scan.
• Iliou the iiuuss that to the rocks gave birth, rlood of fate should sweep thee from the earth.
The world is clay, swret -ill^lT; time thy M>
Man's breath i^ wind ; gixxi wine were better worth.
(is:}
Tales of the '• ni«,'hl of |M>W. r " Mill thoy tell: Write me a jM>wer in taverns aye to dwell. The tl.t\ inv j.rixilr^i- the tavern knows, Such " niu'ht «>f |M»\\rr" for me will serve full well.
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
684
Now sweet and fresh behold the dawning day ; The wine the night refused shall greet the sun's bright ray. Drink with us, friend, for life a warp to weave, To-morrow may rebel, though these short hours obey.
685
Now from the flask of purest wine we'll take Ten cups, if one should fail thy thirst to slake. O mistress mine ! ere yet the potter come, A wine-cup of thy clay or mine to make.
686
Pour me a cup filled high with blood-red wine, So shall my veins be filled with fire divine ; For no true-hearted friend to-day is found To cheer my soul, save this one friend of mine.
687
For all the ill that wine may bring to thee, Drink at all times in every company ; For so thy soul shall be set free from care, Nor filled as mine, nor spoiled as thine might be.
688
And if I once or twice have fallen, say — Where was the need for men to turn away And voice reproach ? Would God that all would drink, Nor let me see one sober for a day.
144
The RUBAIVAT *f OMAR K! I \YYAM
Mark this, I feign to seek debauchery
Hut to (onlirin thoc in sobriety:
i In- broad roml the great and wise should tread \\oid the path that leads to infamy.
00
So the wheat's kernel furnish food for roe,
I draw-well deep my cup of wine may he; With roast to cheer, .-mil thee to share the feast
In solitude. kin^N "ell might mvy inc.
an
Within the potter's house behold they stand. le the wheel, perfect in form and brai
(iol)lct :ui'l vase aiT.'.nged in order iliir;
Tin- kind's clay mouhlt-d by the beggar^s hand.
6M
The deeds of quick and dead arc dom !>\ thee,
The uh.'.'l of Ilc.ivi-n distraught is spun !>\ Hi Though 1 b«- i-vil, I the master's sla\«. Who >iiiii«lh whcMi created all by thee?
Oh, irrnit beyond the grasp of human In whose esteem are e<|iml impotence —
My duty «>r rebellion : 1 \\lio -lej.l. Now wakiiiL: merev tt.-i\<
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
694
Oh, wheel of Heaven, my heart is racked with pain, My robe of joy by thee is rent in twain; The air I breathe is turned to flame of fire ; I drink, and ashes in my mouth remain.
695
Rejoice that yesterday the lots were cast That set the bounds of thine ambitions vast. Tis well for thee that without will of thine Each morrow's tomb is ready ere 'tis past.
696
My master's self has broke my jar of wine, Closed in my face the door of life divine ; Has cast my rosy wine upon the ground — Not I am dazed, but thou, O master mine.
697
O heart, that wast awhile the angel's guest, Till bound to him who tore thee from my breast; The draught that doomed thee to mortality Set loose the bonds of life, and gave eternal rest.
698
Now veiled thy face from self and seen of none ; Now colour, form, and place beneath the sun ; Oh, peeper from the lattice, know thyself, For thou, the eye, art seen, the seen and seer one.
146
The RUBAIVAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
Last night I dashed to hits a vase of worth — Drink, if \oii u ill, gave this effect to mirth — A tid lo, the vase cried out, ami said to me, "Once I was flesh; thou shalt in turn be earth."
700
O soul, if thou wert free from earth to rise, And mount a radiant spirit to the skies, In tlu- ninth Heaven to sit, 'twere shame for t! Content to dwell on earth thou dost despise.
701
Ye who to gratify your own desires, Your precious souls consume with earthly fires, Do ye not know full well that these destroy Thr h.ippiness to which each one aspires?
KM
A man said to a harlot, " Art distraught. Them who each hour in a new net art caught - She said, "O Sheikh, all that thou say'st I am, But art thou all thou seem'st nor hidest aught - "
701
Th<- world's a kitrhrn :u:d its rivk is hot: How long dost grieve for what was or was not ? Tin- pious hold tlu* world is loss unmixed: Reject it all. l-Wtuno shall be thy lot
147
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
704
O potter ! doth regret make no appeal To thee when tyrant's clay is on the wheel ? Faridun's fingers, or Kai Khusrus1 head — Sure thine intelligence must something feel.
705
Angel of joyful foot, behold the dawn ; Full cup and wine set forth should greet the morn ; For doomed to dust by days that come and go, Dead monarchs by ten thousands lie forlorn.
706
Behold a Heaven in all that lies around, Where verdant meads and nectar springs abound. All this is thine : what need to speak of Hell, Since here is Heaven, with heavenly beauties crowned ?
707
No life shaped all to man's desire may be, So seek delight in that is given thee ; Though every secret be by fate revealed, Thine own endeavour vain must ever be.
708
If this world have gone well with thee, Beware ! Make not thyself a friendless prey to care ; Many have proved ere thou and I were born. The world cares not for any man's despair. 148
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
709
I >: t , iluMi doat confess thyself to be
A \otarv of wrong ami rrtirlty;
MM i, s.iinU are plunged in *<•
Folly it is or vire whose work we Me.
710
While thou HI t fr« •<• choose tlmu the tetter part, And lift tin- burden t'roin thy lover's heart ; I'm l»euut\'> kingdom la.steth hut a day, And thine shall from thee all too soon depart.
711
Free of my thoughts the cupbearer shall be, I'm- though my heart be locked he holds the key: When I urn sad he briniM-th wine to ch When I rejoice, he smiles my joy to see.
712
Cast tin- ntvount of lift- while yet ye may, \Vli;it did \e bring, ami wlmt can take away? And lie \\ho i,;iitlu " I drink not lest 1 die," Drink he or no, sure comes the fatal day.
713
I saw an old man by the tavern d I said, " What news of those who went before?" llr | iid. " Drink now, for many a one like im- Has pained away and n* er was beard of more." 149
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
714
I chanced to pass the potter's stall one day, Each moment something new he made from clay ; I saw with understanding more than all My father's dust upon the wheel that lay.
715
Seekest thou heart's ease ? See the cup at need To cheer thee and thy love by brook and mead. Take, for this wheel of time full many a fair Hath changed to cup or flask, nor recked the deed.
716
Four elements and seven stars in turn Gave thee the fires that still within thee burn ; Yet drink, for thousandfold my warning stands, Who passes passes, none may e'er return.
717
Welcome art thou, O solace of my heart ! And yet I know thee not, or know in part ; Drink, not for my sake, but for his, one draught, That I may know thee even as thou art.
718
Oh, fragrant wine, would thou did'st fill the cup To bind the wounded feet of wisdom up ; But he who drinks of thee no respite knows Till all his wisdom's pearls be rendered up.
150
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
71!)
Oh, thou who openest o|x»n wide the door ! Show me the way, thou who hast gone before ; Many stretch out the hand, but .still I seek His who shall be when these are all no more.
If thou be wise, let senses sleep till they (ii\v thee to drink who drink the nip from aye. Hushed senses little reck though wisdom fail, Nor slumber doubU of ignorance convey.
721
This faithless world provides the meanest crew With all they lack of goods and fortune too,
M a plan- of ImMue.ss may be theirs; They need but ask for aught they have in view.
7M
Why vainly cling to grief that worketh ill ? And make an unjust world more unjust still ; Since after all tin- world must come to naught, Choose whether ye would such a lot fulfil.
M
Wlm li.-nlr the ripening grape be sweet? and who
<d the must or ere the wine be new? Though from the block with axe a lute be wrought, Was it the axe that wrought the wood so true?
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
724
O Lord ! the door of bounty open wide, Nor by man's favour only me provide. Behold me how by wine I am distraught ! That I mark not the flow of sorrow's tide.
725
Had choice been given me I ne'er had come,
Nor now would go. Why should I leave my home ?
But best of all it were, if to this world
This coming, being, going ne'er had come.
726
My heart to solve the riddle strives in vain, Nor may the goal of sense or skill attain ; Yet cup and wine may here a Heaven provide, Although that other Heaven thou should'st not gain.
727
If thou would'st life's foundations firm bestow, Set thine heart free a while from grief and woe ; Seek solace with good wine and comrade true, As pours the wine life's savour sweet shall flow.
728
Declare my fault, ye heavens, and tell me why Ye cast me trampled under foot to lie ; I needs must beg to win my daily bread, And from the gutter drink or else I die.
152
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM 7*8
I; ware le»t fren/v hold tlu-i- hopelessly, Nor at the door of virtue suppliant lie. Dunk it \e will; whether ye drink or n<>.
r Heaven through Hell were vain to ti
ild'st thou IK* held in favour of mankind I I ron\ irt ions bear an open mind, i Moslem, Jew, or Christian though Ihou deal. ••ak well of all, so favour shall thou find.
731
Who seeks my heart by fraud shall rue th« l<>r many a ruin lies that heart within ; Who plntiu'i > in the stream that bean me on, May \sorthy prove a seeiug eye to win.
732
Pour me a draught of wine, of good red win.-. And teach in flood to flow these veins of in I Or save the nip no friend to-day is found Whose hand and heart are cleansed by fire divine.
788
O pure new wine ! ( ) draught beyond compare !
I'll gather r.i »m th\ beauty rare;
Till as I pass all men shall wondering say, Winnie art thou i\»rae to us, O drinker 1 '53
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
734
Rest in thy pain content, and so be free, Let gain or loss alike be naught to thee ; Let not the turns of fate thine heart oppress, Sufficient to the end thy strength shall be.
735
Escaped the tavern, still to bear its stain Thy garments yet the reek of Hell retain ; My bowl that broke my waning life portends, The wine that may, the fate that must, remains.
736
Thy speech of me is all with ill intent ; Tales of impiety and unbelief are blent. What if I grant that all the tales are true ? Hast thou attained to grace that thou should'st malice vent ?
737
Spring comes and goes ; with each new yesterday Another page of life we fold away. " Wine," saith the healer, " is the antidote To grief the poison : Drink while yet ye may."
738 Ere bone and sinew reach their prime, mark where the
bounds are set, And learn the limits of thy strength, nor cross the fowler's
net. Though Zal and llustam be the foes, though Hatim be the
friend,
Who feareth not, who trusteth not, his race endureth yet.
154
rhe RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
li< itcr to gladden one sad heart than win the world in fee;
To luiid on.- soul in bonds of low- than set a thousand free.
•Aorld iuu4 puss, tin- lo\. r (lit-, but this reinuineth still : 'I'll it joy was shared, that love hath bouiid my lover's soul
to me.
740
Of worldly goods why should my soul IN; fain. Or doubt 1 li-;i\r with joy this life of pain ? Fill high the cup with wine, for no man knows His latest breath shall pass his lips again.
741
They bid me drink no wine lest ill ensue,
And for my .sin eternal fires be due.
It may be so, yet sure the hour of joy
That wine can give both worlds could ne'er renew.
744
Never thine heart should cling to i>omp or state,
such brought man to honour's gate ; Hut as soft tresses bind and break at will, So deal with hearts till time thy crest abate.
741
How long wilt thou lament this world of woe? Thine eyes with tears, thine heart with blood o'erflow? Cheer thee with wine, and let endeavour strong Increase thy strength until 'tis time to go.
155
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
744
The world one breath, and I one soul therein That draweth breath, as many me within. Therefore give thanks for that thou livest well : This world must pass ; none may remain therein.
745
No fool am I to rush upon the spear ; With wine to friendly shore my bark Til steer. No fire am I to test the cauldron's force, And if these be no good, why, sin is here.
746
Drink wine, for round the wits that brightest shine, As ivy creeps, its tendrils softly twine. Why say ye, mocking, that I broke my vow ? Better a hundred, than one flask of wine.
747
Seek not the desert, save thou be prepared To use the dervish ways, of pleasure shared With dervish dance and prayer, that forward still With wine and cleanly speech your way be fared.
748
Desire of ruby lips and cups of wine, Of lute and harp to which our souls incline, Are vanities ; and God knows well that ye, Till ye be reft from such, are naught divine. 156
RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
vet the cup of death for thec be filled, M t thy treasures all by fate be sj»ill«-d, ui a j)ortio!i here, for there we know The empty hand finds naught of hopes fulfilled.
750
Thou of created things the sum and seal, Leant what the spirit world may not conceal ; Angel and demon, God and man art Hum, So far as each in turn thou dost reveal.
751
Tliouu'h fate overwhelm thce and thy grief be sore, Tin \slucl of time oppress thee more and more, Yet from vile hands take naught, though nectar sweet Twere ill to burn in fire for evermore.
TM
Cheered by the nip. in memory wo trace All that was not or was but for a space ;
Inn-rowed garment that became our chains Is cast aside, and freedom takes her place.
vn
Strive to the end that thy reward be sure; Drink to the dre«;s if thou would'st taste the cure. When murmurs fill the air, lx> thou content. 0 the goal thou only .shall . ml ure
'57
The RUBAIYAT of OMAR KHAYYAM
754
First in thyself firm thou sustainecTst me ; Last from thyself why dost thou sunder me ? Full was thy favour, grudging not at all : Why to an envious world dost deliver me ?
755
While I for omens searched the book of fate, An ardent friend exclaimed, " The man whose mate Is fair as summer's morn might surely deem A year-long night were bliss in such a state."
756
That wealth which in this world thou dost destroy To feed the soul or body or enjoy, That thou art right to strive for ; but all else, Dear life or time deserves not to employ.
757
I had abandoned all, both lute and wine, Had fled from all, though not from love divine ; And yet it seemed that Christian wine alone I had foresworn — such converts strange were mine.
758 .
Content that skies be soft, and banished fear : Good wine, when worlds are sad, shall make good cheer. Clay's thy beginning, and thine end is clay : Deny in vain, for lo, the end is near. 158
The RUBAIV AT of OMAR KHAYYAM
791
Thou who in wantonness did'st speed the dart That struck with grief and woe thy fellow's heart, Go spend thy life in inourniiiL' for thy acme, And hug thy shame, great as thy folly's part.
760
Why woke the cock at dawn a world that slept, As up the east the silver radiance en i II hade us in the mirror of the dawn Ik-hold the parting night, unwatched, unwept.
Tfl
Oh, would to God my soul might hope to rest, 'The long road reach the goal to which jiddrr<- A thousand yr.irs in earth's deep womb I'd lir. So spring might come at last, and I be blest.
701
Hurnt, htirnt, on rarth, and yet in Hell to burn, I niorse and jud^iiu-nt in tlu-ir turn.
How long for pity wilt thou vainly plead? tin- Almighty ruth from Om.-ir learn?
Printed bj BAIXAKTTHB, HAK«OH A* On. at Fmul-i Work. Edinburgh
University of Toronto Library
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