One morning, coming from the tavern I heard a voicewhich said: Come, joyous drinkers, youthful fools, arise,and fill with me a cup of wine, ere Fate shall come tofill the cup of our existence.
One morning, coming from the tavern I heard a voicewhich said: Come, joyous drinkers, youthful fools, arise,and fill with me a cup of wine, ere Fate shall come tofill the cup of our existence.
2.
O Thou who in the universe art the object chosenof my heart! Thou who art more dear than the soulwhich gives me life, than the eyes which give me light!O Idol, though in life there be no thing more preciousthan this life, Thou art indeed a hundred times moreprecious than that life.
O Thou who in the universe art the object chosenof my heart! Thou who art more dear than the soulwhich gives me life, than the eyes which give me light!O Idol, though in life there be no thing more preciousthan this life, Thou art indeed a hundred times moreprecious than that life.
3.
Who led thee here this night, thus given up to wine?Who, indeed, raising the veil which hid thee, has beenable to lead thee here? Who, finally, brought thee asrapidly as the wind which fans the fire that still burnedin thy absence?
Who led thee here this night, thus given up to wine?Who, indeed, raising the veil which hid thee, has beenable to lead thee here? Who, finally, brought thee asrapidly as the wind which fans the fire that still burnedin thy absence?
4.
We meet but chagrin and misfortune in this world,which serves us as a tent for the time. Alas! No problemof creation has been solved for us, and behold! weleave it with hearts full of regret at knowing naughtabout it.
We meet but chagrin and misfortune in this world,which serves us as a tent for the time. Alas! No problemof creation has been solved for us, and behold! weleave it with hearts full of regret at knowing naughtabout it.
5.
O Khadja, give us lawfully a single one of our desires;reserve thy breath and lead us into the way of God.Surely we walk aright, it is thou that seest crosswise;heal, then, thine eyes and leave us here in peace.
O Khadja, give us lawfully a single one of our desires;reserve thy breath and lead us into the way of God.Surely we walk aright, it is thou that seest crosswise;heal, then, thine eyes and leave us here in peace.
6.
Come, come, arise, and, for the healing of my heart,one problem solve for me: yet quickly bring me a pitcherof wine, and let us drink before they make pitchers outof our own dust.
Come, come, arise, and, for the healing of my heart,one problem solve for me: yet quickly bring me a pitcherof wine, and let us drink before they make pitchers outof our own dust.
7.
When I am dead, wash me with the juice of the vine;in place of prayer, sing above my tomb the praise ofthe cup and the wine, and, if you would find me againat the day of doom, seek me in the dust of the tavernfloor.
When I am dead, wash me with the juice of the vine;in place of prayer, sing above my tomb the praise ofthe cup and the wine, and, if you would find me againat the day of doom, seek me in the dust of the tavernfloor.
8.
Since no one has ever been able to answer thee fromone day to the next, hasten to glad thy heart filled withsadness. Drink, O adorable Moon! drink from thy silvercup, for long shalt thou turn in the firmament withoutfinding us here again.
Since no one has ever been able to answer thee fromone day to the next, hasten to glad thy heart filled withsadness. Drink, O adorable Moon! drink from thy silvercup, for long shalt thou turn in the firmament withoutfinding us here again.
9.
Would that the lover [the true believer] were intoxicatedthe whole year, mad, absorbed with wine, coveredwith dishonor! For, when we have sound reason, chagrinassails us on all sides; but when we are in wine, well,let come what will!
Would that the lover [the true believer] were intoxicatedthe whole year, mad, absorbed with wine, coveredwith dishonor! For, when we have sound reason, chagrinassails us on all sides; but when we are in wine, well,let come what will!
10.
In Heaven's name! with what hope does the sage attachhis heart to the illusory treasures of this palace of misfortune?Oh! that the One who gave me the name ofdrunkard would recant his error, for how can he see thetavern's sign from his exalted abode.
In Heaven's name! with what hope does the sage attachhis heart to the illusory treasures of this palace of misfortune?Oh! that the One who gave me the name ofdrunkard would recant his error, for how can he see thetavern's sign from his exalted abode.
11.
The Koran, which is but a name for The SublimeWord, is, however, read only from time to time and notwith constancy; while ever on the brim of the cupis found a verse full of light which one can read alwaysand everywhere.
The Koran, which is but a name for The SublimeWord, is, however, read only from time to time and notwith constancy; while ever on the brim of the cupis found a verse full of light which one can read alwaysand everywhere.
12.
Thou that drinkest not wine shouldst not for this reasonblame the drunkard, for I am ready to renounce God,myself, should He order me to renounce wine. Thouglorifiest thyself for not drinking wine, but such glorybut ill befits those who commit acts a hundredfold morereprehensible than drunkenness.
Thou that drinkest not wine shouldst not for this reasonblame the drunkard, for I am ready to renounce God,myself, should He order me to renounce wine. Thouglorifiest thyself for not drinking wine, but such glorybut ill befits those who commit acts a hundredfold morereprehensible than drunkenness.
13.
Though my body be beautiful, and the perfume it exhalesagreeable, though the color of my face rival thatof the tulip, and my figure be supple as the cypress,it has not been demonstrated why my celestial authorplaced me upon this earth.
Though my body be beautiful, and the perfume it exhalesagreeable, though the color of my face rival thatof the tulip, and my figure be supple as the cypress,it has not been demonstrated why my celestial authorplaced me upon this earth.
14.
I would drink so much wine that the odor should comeout of the earth when I have been returned to it, andthat drinkers who wish to visit my tomb may fallsenseless from the sole effect of this odor.
I would drink so much wine that the odor should comeout of the earth when I have been returned to it, andthat drinkers who wish to visit my tomb may fallsenseless from the sole effect of this odor.
15.
In the region of hope, form as many friends as youcan; in the time of existence, bind yourself to a perfectfriend, for, know well that a hundred Kaabas, madeof earth and water, are not worth one heart. Leave,then, thy Kaabas and rather seek a heart.
In the region of hope, form as many friends as youcan; in the time of existence, bind yourself to a perfectfriend, for, know well that a hundred Kaabas, madeof earth and water, are not worth one heart. Leave,then, thy Kaabas and rather seek a heart.
16.
When I take in my hand a cup of wine and, in thejoy of my soul, become intoxicate, then, in that state offire which devours me, I see a hundred miracles growreal, and words, clear as the most limpid water, come toexplain the mystery of all things.
When I take in my hand a cup of wine and, in thejoy of my soul, become intoxicate, then, in that state offire which devours me, I see a hundred miracles growreal, and words, clear as the most limpid water, come toexplain the mystery of all things.
17.
Since the duration of a day is only two stages, makehaste to drink wine, the limpid wine; for know wellthat you near the end of your vanishing existence. And,since you know that this world drags all to decay,be wise, and, also, day and night be drenched in wine.
Since the duration of a day is only two stages, makehaste to drink wine, the limpid wine; for know wellthat you near the end of your vanishing existence. And,since you know that this world drags all to decay,be wise, and, also, day and night be drenched in wine.
18.
We who give ourselves up to the will of wine offerwith joy our souls in holocaust to the laughing lips ofthe juice divine. Oh! rapturous sight! Our cup-bearerholds in one hand the neck of the flask and in the otherthe cup overflowing, as if inviting us to receive thepurest of the blood!
We who give ourselves up to the will of wine offerwith joy our souls in holocaust to the laughing lips ofthe juice divine. Oh! rapturous sight! Our cup-bearerholds in one hand the neck of the flask and in the otherthe cup overflowing, as if inviting us to receive thepurest of the blood!
19.
Yes, we, seated in the midst of this treasure in ruins,surrounded by wine and dancers, have put in pawn [inorder to procure them] all that we possess: soul, heart,goods—everything but the cup. We are thus freed fromhope of pardon and fear of punishment. We are beyondthe air, the earth, and fire and water.
Yes, we, seated in the midst of this treasure in ruins,surrounded by wine and dancers, have put in pawn [inorder to procure them] all that we possess: soul, heart,goods—everything but the cup. We are thus freed fromhope of pardon and fear of punishment. We are beyondthe air, the earth, and fire and water.
20.
The distance which separates incredulity from faith isbut a breath,—that which separates doubt from certaintyis equally but a breath. Let us, then, pass this preciousspace of a breath gaily, for our life also is only separated[from death] by the space of a breath.
The distance which separates incredulity from faith isbut a breath,—that which separates doubt from certaintyis equally but a breath. Let us, then, pass this preciousspace of a breath gaily, for our life also is only separated[from death] by the space of a breath.
21.
O Wheel of Destiny! destruction comes of thy implacablehate. Tyranny for thee is an act of predilectionwhich thou hast committed from the commencement ofcenturies; and thou, also, O Earth, if one search in thybosom, what inappreciable treasures will he not find there!
O Wheel of Destiny! destruction comes of thy implacablehate. Tyranny for thee is an act of predilectionwhich thou hast committed from the commencement ofcenturies; and thou, also, O Earth, if one search in thybosom, what inappreciable treasures will he not find there!
22.
My turn of existence has slipped around in a few days.It has passed as passes the wind over the desert. Then,while remains to me a breath of life, two days shallbe for which I never need be troubled, the day whichhas not come and that which now has passed.
My turn of existence has slipped around in a few days.It has passed as passes the wind over the desert. Then,while remains to me a breath of life, two days shallbe for which I never need be troubled, the day whichhas not come and that which now has passed.
23.
This priceless ruby comes from a mine of its own, thisrare pearl is pregnant with a character its own; ourdifferent dogmas on this matter are erroneous, since theenigma of perfect love is explained in a language of itsown [and that is not conveyed to us].
This priceless ruby comes from a mine of its own, thisrare pearl is pregnant with a character its own; ourdifferent dogmas on this matter are erroneous, since theenigma of perfect love is explained in a language of itsown [and that is not conveyed to us].
24.
Since to-day is my turn for youth, I intend to pass itin drinking wine, for that is my pleasure. Begin not totalk of its bitterness, to speak ill of this delicious juice,for it is agreeable, and is only bitter because it enforcesthe bitterness of my life.
Since to-day is my turn for youth, I intend to pass itin drinking wine, for that is my pleasure. Begin not totalk of its bitterness, to speak ill of this delicious juice,for it is agreeable, and is only bitter because it enforcesthe bitterness of my life.
25.
O my poor heart! Since thy lot is to be bruised todeath by chagrin, since nature wills that thou be woundedeach day with some new torment, tell me, O my soul,why stay you in my body, since you must finally leaveit some day?
O my poor heart! Since thy lot is to be bruised todeath by chagrin, since nature wills that thou be woundedeach day with some new torment, tell me, O my soul,why stay you in my body, since you must finally leaveit some day?
26.
Thou canst not count to-day on seeing the day afterto-morrow; even to think of this to-morrow would be thepart of folly; if thy heart is awakened, lose not in inactionthis instant of life [which remains to thee] and forthe duration of which I see no warranty.
Thou canst not count to-day on seeing the day afterto-morrow; even to think of this to-morrow would be thepart of folly; if thy heart is awakened, lose not in inactionthis instant of life [which remains to thee] and forthe duration of which I see no warranty.
27.
It is not necessary to knock at every door unless therebe a reason for it. It is better to accommodate oneselfto the good and the bad here below, for hereafter wecan only enjoy the number of moves which destiny presentsupon the chessboard of this terrestrial ball.
It is not necessary to knock at every door unless therebe a reason for it. It is better to accommodate oneselfto the good and the bad here below, for hereafter wecan only enjoy the number of moves which destiny presentsupon the chessboard of this terrestrial ball.
28.
This jug [earthen vessel] has been, like me, a lovingand unhappy creature; it has sighed for a lock of someyoung beauty's hair; this handle that you see attached toits neck was an amorous arm passed about the neck ofsome girl.
This jug [earthen vessel] has been, like me, a lovingand unhappy creature; it has sighed for a lock of someyoung beauty's hair; this handle that you see attached toits neck was an amorous arm passed about the neck ofsome girl.
29.
Before your time or mine, there were many twilights,many dawns, and it is not without reason that the movementof rotation is enforced upon the heavens. Be carefulas you place your foot upon this dust, for it has,without doubt, formed the eyes of someone young and fair.
Before your time or mine, there were many twilights,many dawns, and it is not without reason that the movementof rotation is enforced upon the heavens. Be carefulas you place your foot upon this dust, for it has,without doubt, formed the eyes of someone young and fair.
30.
The temple of idols and the Kaaba are places ofadoration; the chime of the bells is but a hymn chanted tothe praise of the All-Powerful. Themehrab[Mohammedanpulpit], the church, the chapel, the cross are, in truth,but different stations for rendering homage to the Deity.
The temple of idols and the Kaaba are places ofadoration; the chime of the bells is but a hymn chanted tothe praise of the All-Powerful. Themehrab[Mohammedanpulpit], the church, the chapel, the cross are, in truth,but different stations for rendering homage to the Deity.
31.
Existing things were already predestined upon thetablet of creation. The brush [of the universe] did notpaint good and bad. With destiny God imprinted whatevershould be so imprinted, and the efforts that wemake in these directions are wholly lost.
Existing things were already predestined upon thetablet of creation. The brush [of the universe] did notpaint good and bad. With destiny God imprinted whatevershould be so imprinted, and the efforts that wemake in these directions are wholly lost.
32.
I can but vaguely tell my secret to the bad or to thegood. I cannot elaborate or explain my thought, whichis essentially brief. I see a place of which I can onlytrace a description; I possess a secret which I cannot unveil.
I can but vaguely tell my secret to the bad or to thegood. I cannot elaborate or explain my thought, whichis essentially brief. I see a place of which I can onlytrace a description; I possess a secret which I cannot unveil.
33.
False money is not current among us. The broom hasrid our joyous dwelling of it completely. An old man,returning from the tavern, said to me: Drink wine, myfriend, for other lives shall follow yours in your longsleep.
False money is not current among us. The broom hasrid our joyous dwelling of it completely. An old man,returning from the tavern, said to me: Drink wine, myfriend, for other lives shall follow yours in your longsleep.
34.
In the face of the decrees of Providence, nothing availsbut resignation. Among men nothing avails but seemingand hypocrisy. I have employed every ruse, the strongestthat the human mind can invent, but destiny has alwaysoverturned my projects.
In the face of the decrees of Providence, nothing availsbut resignation. Among men nothing avails but seemingand hypocrisy. I have employed every ruse, the strongestthat the human mind can invent, but destiny has alwaysoverturned my projects.
35.
If a stranger shows you fidelity, consider him as a kinsman;but if a kinsman endeavors to betray you, regardhim as an enemy. If poison cures you, consider it anantidote, and if the antidote does not agree with you,regard it as a poison.
If a stranger shows you fidelity, consider him as a kinsman;but if a kinsman endeavors to betray you, regardhim as an enemy. If poison cures you, consider it anantidote, and if the antidote does not agree with you,regard it as a poison.
36.
Except Thy absence there is nothing of worth that canbruise to the quick; he cannot be acute who is not takenwith Thy subtle charms, and, although there exist inThy mind no care for any one, there is none who maynot be preoccupied with Thee.
Except Thy absence there is nothing of worth that canbruise to the quick; he cannot be acute who is not takenwith Thy subtle charms, and, although there exist inThy mind no care for any one, there is none who maynot be preoccupied with Thee.
37.
As long as I am not drunk, my happiness is incomplete.When I am overcome with wine, ignorance replacesmy reason. But there exists an intermediary statebetween drunkenness and sound reason. Oh! with whathappiness do I enslave myself to such a state, since in itthere is life!
As long as I am not drunk, my happiness is incomplete.When I am overcome with wine, ignorance replacesmy reason. But there exists an intermediary statebetween drunkenness and sound reason. Oh! with whathappiness do I enslave myself to such a state, since in itthere is life!
38.
Who will believe that He who fashioned the cup couldthink of destroying it? All these beautiful heads, allthese beautiful arms, all these dainty hands, are by whatlove created and by what hate destroyed?
Who will believe that He who fashioned the cup couldthink of destroying it? All these beautiful heads, allthese beautiful arms, all these dainty hands, are by whatlove created and by what hate destroyed?
39.
It is the effect of thy ignorance which makes thee feardeath and abhor annihilation, for it is evident that fromthis annihilation shoots up a branch of immortality.Since my soul has been revived by the breath of Jesus,eternal death has fled far from me.
It is the effect of thy ignorance which makes thee feardeath and abhor annihilation, for it is evident that fromthis annihilation shoots up a branch of immortality.Since my soul has been revived by the breath of Jesus,eternal death has fled far from me.
40.
Imitate the tulip which flowers at New-year's; take, likeher, a cup in thy hand and, if the occasion presents itself,drink, drink of wine in happiness with some fair girlwhose cheeks are tinted with the color of this flower, forthis blue wheel [dome], like a breath of wind, can suddenlyoverturn thee.
Imitate the tulip which flowers at New-year's; take, likeher, a cup in thy hand and, if the occasion presents itself,drink, drink of wine in happiness with some fair girlwhose cheeks are tinted with the color of this flower, forthis blue wheel [dome], like a breath of wind, can suddenlyoverturn thee.
41.
Since things are not allowed to come to pass as we desire,to what purpose are our designs and our efforts?We are constantly tormenting ourselves, speaking to ourselveswith sighs of regret. Ah! we have arrived too late;too soon will it be necessary for us to depart!
Since things are not allowed to come to pass as we desire,to what purpose are our designs and our efforts?We are constantly tormenting ourselves, speaking to ourselveswith sighs of regret. Ah! we have arrived too late;too soon will it be necessary for us to depart!
42.
Since the celestial wheel and that of destiny have neverbeen favorable, what matters it whether we are able tocount seven heavens or believe that there are eight?There are [I repeat it] two days for which I need notcare; the day which has not come and that which nowis gone.
Since the celestial wheel and that of destiny have neverbeen favorable, what matters it whether we are able tocount seven heavens or believe that there are eight?There are [I repeat it] two days for which I need notcare; the day which has not come and that which nowis gone.
43.
O Khayyam! why so much sorrow for a sin committed?What comfort more or less do you find in this self-torment?He who has not sinned cannot enjoy the sweetnessof pardon. It is for sin that pardon must exist; inthat event why entertain a fear?
O Khayyam! why so much sorrow for a sin committed?What comfort more or less do you find in this self-torment?He who has not sinned cannot enjoy the sweetnessof pardon. It is for sin that pardon must exist; inthat event why entertain a fear?
44.
No one has access to the secrets of God behind themysterious curtain; no one [even in mind] can penetratethere; we have no other dwelling than the earthlymind. Oh, regret! for this also is an enigma not lessdifficult to comprehend.
No one has access to the secrets of God behind themysterious curtain; no one [even in mind] can penetratethere; we have no other dwelling than the earthlymind. Oh, regret! for this also is an enigma not lessdifficult to comprehend.
45.
Long time have I delved in this inconstant world, thismomentary shelter; and in my searches have employedall faculties with which I am endowed. Ah, well! and Ihave found the moon to pale before the light of Thyvisage, that the cypress is deformed beside Thy beauteousform.
Long time have I delved in this inconstant world, thismomentary shelter; and in my searches have employedall faculties with which I am endowed. Ah, well! and Ihave found the moon to pale before the light of Thyvisage, that the cypress is deformed beside Thy beauteousform.
46.
In the mosque, in themedresseh[school annexed tothe mosque], in the church, and in the synagogue, theyhave a horror of Hell and seek for Paradise, but the seedof such disquiet never germinates in the hearts of thosewho penetrate the secrets of the All-Powerful.
In the mosque, in themedresseh[school annexed tothe mosque], in the church, and in the synagogue, theyhave a horror of Hell and seek for Paradise, but the seedof such disquiet never germinates in the hearts of thosewho penetrate the secrets of the All-Powerful.
47.
You have traveled over the world! Ah, well! all thatyou have seen is nothing; all that you have seen and allthat you have heard are equally nothing. You have gonefrom one end of the universe to the other, all that isnothing; you have summed it all up in one corner of yourroom, all that is nothing, still nothing.
You have traveled over the world! Ah, well! all thatyou have seen is nothing; all that you have seen and allthat you have heard are equally nothing. You have gonefrom one end of the universe to the other, all that isnothing; you have summed it all up in one corner of yourroom, all that is nothing, still nothing.
48.
One night I saw in thought a sage who said to me:Sleep, O my friend, has never caused the rose of happinessto bloom for anyone; why lend yourself to aught sosimilar to death? Rather drink wine, for you will sleepenough when buried in the earth.
One night I saw in thought a sage who said to me:Sleep, O my friend, has never caused the rose of happinessto bloom for anyone; why lend yourself to aught sosimilar to death? Rather drink wine, for you will sleepenough when buried in the earth.
49.
Had the human heart an exact knowledge of the secretsof life, it would also know, at the point of death,the secrets of God. If to-day, when you are with yourself,you know nothing, what will you know to-morrowwhen you shall be separated from yourself?
Had the human heart an exact knowledge of the secretsof life, it would also know, at the point of death,the secrets of God. If to-day, when you are with yourself,you know nothing, what will you know to-morrowwhen you shall be separated from yourself?
50.
The day when the heavens shall be confounded, whenthe stars shall be obscured, I will stop Thee upon Thyway, O Idol! and, taking Thee by the hem of Thy robe,will ask of Thee why Thou hast robbed me of life [aftergiving it to me].
The day when the heavens shall be confounded, whenthe stars shall be obscured, I will stop Thee upon Thyway, O Idol! and, taking Thee by the hem of Thy robe,will ask of Thee why Thou hast robbed me of life [aftergiving it to me].
51.
We should tell no secrets to the vilely indiscreet; fromthe nightingale, even, should we conceal them. Consider,then, the torment you inflict on human souls by forcingthem to disrobe thus before the gaze of all.
We should tell no secrets to the vilely indiscreet; fromthe nightingale, even, should we conceal them. Consider,then, the torment you inflict on human souls by forcingthem to disrobe thus before the gaze of all.
52.
O Cupbearer! since time is here, ready to break downyou and me, this world for neither you nor me can be aplace of permanence. But, equally, be well convincedthat while this jug of wine is here 'twixt you and me,our God is in our hands.
O Cupbearer! since time is here, ready to break downyou and me, this world for neither you nor me can be aplace of permanence. But, equally, be well convincedthat while this jug of wine is here 'twixt you and me,our God is in our hands.
53.
Long time, indeed, with cup in hand, I walked amongthe flowers; nevertheless none of my projects has beenrealized in this world. But, although wine has not ledme to the goal of my desires, I will not stray from itspath, for when one follows a road he cannot retrogress.
Long time, indeed, with cup in hand, I walked amongthe flowers; nevertheless none of my projects has beenrealized in this world. But, although wine has not ledme to the goal of my desires, I will not stray from itspath, for when one follows a road he cannot retrogress.
54.
Put a cup of wine in my hand, for my heart is inflamed,and my life slips away as quicksilver. Arise,then, for the favors of fortune are only a dream; arise,for the fire of thy youth is running away like the waterof a torrent.
Put a cup of wine in my hand, for my heart is inflamed,and my life slips away as quicksilver. Arise,then, for the favors of fortune are only a dream; arise,for the fire of thy youth is running away like the waterof a torrent.
55.
We are the idolaters of love, but the Musulman differsfrom us; we are like the pitiful ant, but Salomon is ourfoe. Our visages should aye be paled with love, and ourapparel in rags, and yet the mart for silken stuffs is herebelow.
We are the idolaters of love, but the Musulman differsfrom us; we are like the pitiful ant, but Salomon is ourfoe. Our visages should aye be paled with love, and ourapparel in rags, and yet the mart for silken stuffs is herebelow.
56.
To drink wine and rejoice is my gospel of life. Tobe as indifferent to heresy as to religion is my creed. Iasked the bride of the human race [the world] what herdowry was, and she answered: My dowry consists in thejoy of my heart.
To drink wine and rejoice is my gospel of life. Tobe as indifferent to heresy as to religion is my creed. Iasked the bride of the human race [the world] what herdowry was, and she answered: My dowry consists in thejoy of my heart.
57.
I am worthy neither of Hell nor a celestial abode; Godknows from what clay he has moulded me. Heretical asa dervish and foul as a lost woman, I have neitherwealth, nor fortune, nor hope of Paradise.
I am worthy neither of Hell nor a celestial abode; Godknows from what clay he has moulded me. Heretical asa dervish and foul as a lost woman, I have neitherwealth, nor fortune, nor hope of Paradise.
58.
Thy passion, man, resembles in all things a house dogwhich never leaves his kennel. It has the slyness of thefox, it lies low like a hare, and to the rage of the tigeradds the voracity of a wolf.
Thy passion, man, resembles in all things a house dogwhich never leaves his kennel. It has the slyness of thefox, it lies low like a hare, and to the rage of the tigeradds the voracity of a wolf.
59.
How beautiful they are, these different greens whichmingle on the edge of a brook! One thinks they musthave had their birth upon the lips of one divinely fair.Place not thy foot upon them with disdain; they springfrom dust which, once a face, was tinted with the colorsof a rose.
How beautiful they are, these different greens whichmingle on the edge of a brook! One thinks they musthave had their birth upon the lips of one divinely fair.Place not thy foot upon them with disdain; they springfrom dust which, once a face, was tinted with the colorsof a rose.
60.
Each heart that God illumines with the light oflove, as it frequents the mosque or synagogue, inscribesits name upon the book of love, and is set free fromfear of Hell while it awaits the joys of Paradise.
Each heart that God illumines with the light oflove, as it frequents the mosque or synagogue, inscribesits name upon the book of love, and is set free fromfear of Hell while it awaits the joys of Paradise.
61.
A cup of wine is better than the kingdom of Kawous,and preferable to Kobad's throne or to the realm ofThous. The sighs to which, at dawn, a lover is the preyare sweeter than the groans of praying hypocrites.
A cup of wine is better than the kingdom of Kawous,and preferable to Kobad's throne or to the realm ofThous. The sighs to which, at dawn, a lover is the preyare sweeter than the groans of praying hypocrites.
62.
Though sin hath made me ugly and forlorn, not withouthope am I like some idolater relying on his templegods. So, on the morn I die of yesternight's carouse,give me some wine and call the one Beloved, for Helland Paradise are one to me.
Though sin hath made me ugly and forlorn, not withouthope am I like some idolater relying on his templegods. So, on the morn I die of yesternight's carouse,give me some wine and call the one Beloved, for Helland Paradise are one to me.
63.
If I drink wine 'tis not for mere desire; nor for therousing of the mob or insult to the Faith. No, 'tis for apassing knowledge of relief from self. No other motivecould enwreath the cup.
If I drink wine 'tis not for mere desire; nor for therousing of the mob or insult to the Faith. No, 'tis for apassing knowledge of relief from self. No other motivecould enwreath the cup.
64.
Men claim fore-knowledge, predicating Hell or Heaven.How plain their fault! How asinine their faith! Forknow that if all lovers of the fair and of the cup deservea Hell, then Paradise will be a void.
Men claim fore-knowledge, predicating Hell or Heaven.How plain their fault! How asinine their faith! Forknow that if all lovers of the fair and of the cup deservea Hell, then Paradise will be a void.
65.
In Cheeban [a month] I must not embrace the vine; inRedjeb I am consecrate to Him. By right these sixtysuns to Allah and his Prophet are assigned: let Ramazanin mercy bring the cooling cup again.
In Cheeban [a month] I must not embrace the vine; inRedjeb I am consecrate to Him. By right these sixtysuns to Allah and his Prophet are assigned: let Ramazanin mercy bring the cooling cup again.
66.
Now Ramazan has come, the vintage passed, andpledging of the cup and simple customs are afar. Yetfull the wine pots are, and still untouched, and houris waitfor us in fond suspense.
Now Ramazan has come, the vintage passed, andpledging of the cup and simple customs are afar. Yetfull the wine pots are, and still untouched, and houris waitfor us in fond suspense.
67.
This rolling hostelry we call the world, where light anddarkness alternate, is but the ruin of a Jamshid's entertainmentof a hundred Kings, or e'en a faint mementoof a host of hunters like to Bahram's self.
This rolling hostelry we call the world, where light anddarkness alternate, is but the ruin of a Jamshid's entertainmentof a hundred Kings, or e'en a faint mementoof a host of hunters like to Bahram's self.
68.
To-day when fortune's rose is burgeoning, fill high thecup. Drink deep, O friend, drink deep, for time is notthy friend or ever willingly repeats a day like this.
To-day when fortune's rose is burgeoning, fill high thecup. Drink deep, O friend, drink deep, for time is notthy friend or ever willingly repeats a day like this.
69.
This palace where great Bahram loved to drink nowherds the young gazelle, and in it lions sleep. WhereBahram snared the swift wild ass, the snare of Time hasin its turn snared him.
This palace where great Bahram loved to drink nowherds the young gazelle, and in it lions sleep. WhereBahram snared the swift wild ass, the snare of Time hasin its turn snared him.
70.
The clouds expand and weep upon the earth. Nolonger can we live without the amaranthine cup. Thetender green glads weary eyes to-day, but oh! that emeraldverdure growing from our dust, whose sight will itrejoice?
The clouds expand and weep upon the earth. Nolonger can we live without the amaranthine cup. Thetender green glads weary eyes to-day, but oh! that emeraldverdure growing from our dust, whose sight will itrejoice?
71.
To-day, which we call Adine [Wednesday], leavethe tiny cup and drink wine from a bowl. If other daysyou drank but one fair bowl, to-day drink two, for Adineranks its fellow days, save one.
To-day, which we call Adine [Wednesday], leavethe tiny cup and drink wine from a bowl. If other daysyou drank but one fair bowl, to-day drink two, for Adineranks its fellow days, save one.
72.
O heart! since this world makes you sad, since soulsso pure must leave the tenement of clay, go, sit uponthe verdure of the field sometimes, ere verdure springsin turn from your own dust.
O heart! since this world makes you sad, since soulsso pure must leave the tenement of clay, go, sit uponthe verdure of the field sometimes, ere verdure springsin turn from your own dust.
73.
This wine, which by its nature hath a multitude offorms, which now is animal and now is plant, can nevercease to be, for its imperishable self ordains a lastinglife though forms may disappear.
This wine, which by its nature hath a multitude offorms, which now is animal and now is plant, can nevercease to be, for its imperishable self ordains a lastinglife though forms may disappear.
74.
No smoke ascends above my holocaust of crime: couldman ask more? This hand, which man's injustice raisesto my head, no comfort brings, even though it touch thehem of saintly robes.
No smoke ascends above my holocaust of crime: couldman ask more? This hand, which man's injustice raisesto my head, no comfort brings, even though it touch thehem of saintly robes.
75.
The one on whom you surely most rely, will be yourenemy, if but you cleanse the eyes that are within. Farbetter, for the short time which remains, to count butlittle on our friends. The talk of men to-day is but abroken reed.
The one on whom you surely most rely, will be yourenemy, if but you cleanse the eyes that are within. Farbetter, for the short time which remains, to count butlittle on our friends. The talk of men to-day is but abroken reed.
76.
O heedless man! this veil of flesh is naught; this nine-foldvault of brilliant heaven is naught. Then give thyselfto joy in this disordered place [the world], for life isbut an instant wed to it, and that is equally naught.
O heedless man! this veil of flesh is naught; this nine-foldvault of brilliant heaven is naught. Then give thyselfto joy in this disordered place [the world], for life isbut an instant wed to it, and that is equally naught.
77.
Now bring me dancers, wine, and a houri with charming,ravishing features—if houris there be. Or find abeautiful brook within a green ravine, if such there be.Ask nothing better; think no more of Hell's hot penalties,for, verily, none is, nor any Paradise more fair thanthat I sing, if Paradise there be.
Now bring me dancers, wine, and a houri with charming,ravishing features—if houris there be. Or find abeautiful brook within a green ravine, if such there be.Ask nothing better; think no more of Hell's hot penalties,for, verily, none is, nor any Paradise more fair thanthat I sing, if Paradise there be.
78.
Came an old man from out the tavern drunk, hisprayer-rug on his shoulders and a bowl of wine inhand. I said to him: Aged man! what meaneth this?He answered me: Drink wine, my friend, for this worldis naught but wind.
Came an old man from out the tavern drunk, hisprayer-rug on his shoulders and a bowl of wine inhand. I said to him: Aged man! what meaneth this?He answered me: Drink wine, my friend, for this worldis naught but wind.
79.
A nightingale, inebriate [with love of the rose], withina garden saw the roses laughing with a cup of wine. Tome he came and whispered in my ear, in tones appropriateto the circumstance: Be on thy guard, my friend; onecannot hold the life that slips away.
A nightingale, inebriate [with love of the rose], withina garden saw the roses laughing with a cup of wine. Tome he came and whispered in my ear, in tones appropriateto the circumstance: Be on thy guard, my friend; onecannot hold the life that slips away.
80.
Naught is thy body but a tent, Khayyam, thy soul isits inhabitant, and its last, long home annihilation is.When thy soul leaves the tent, the slaves arise andstrike it ere they pitch it for the oncoming soul.
Naught is thy body but a tent, Khayyam, thy soul isits inhabitant, and its last, long home annihilation is.When thy soul leaves the tent, the slaves arise andstrike it ere they pitch it for the oncoming soul.
81.
Khayyam, who sewed the tents of philosophic lore, issuddenly engulfed within the crucible of grief, and thereis burned. The shears of Fate have cut the thread ofhis existence; the Auctioneer of Life has sold him fora song.
Khayyam, who sewed the tents of philosophic lore, issuddenly engulfed within the crucible of grief, and thereis burned. The shears of Fate have cut the thread ofhis existence; the Auctioneer of Life has sold him fora song.
82.
In springtime let me sit upon the edge of a broadfield with one fair girl, and wine in plenty if wine is athand. Though this may culpable be thought, I shouldbe worse than any dog did I not dream of Paradise.
In springtime let me sit upon the edge of a broadfield with one fair girl, and wine in plenty if wine is athand. Though this may culpable be thought, I shouldbe worse than any dog did I not dream of Paradise.
83.
Rose-colored wine in crystal cups delights. It charmswhen sipped to lutes' melodious airs or to the plaintivethrobbing of the harp. The devotee who knows not ofthe joy that is in wine is charming [to himself] orwhen a thousand miles between us yawn.
Rose-colored wine in crystal cups delights. It charmswhen sipped to lutes' melodious airs or to the plaintivethrobbing of the harp. The devotee who knows not ofthe joy that is in wine is charming [to himself] orwhen a thousand miles between us yawn.
84.
The time we pass in this world has no worth withoutthe wine-cup and the wine. It also needs the swellingsound of Irak's flute. Incessant watching of things herebelow has told me that in pleasure and in joy alone areworth: the rest is naught.
The time we pass in this world has no worth withoutthe wine-cup and the wine. It also needs the swellingsound of Irak's flute. Incessant watching of things herebelow has told me that in pleasure and in joy alone areworth: the rest is naught.
85.
Be on thy guard, my friend, for soon thou wilt beseparate from thy soul; thou then shalt go behind thecurtain of God's secrecy. Drink, for thou knowest notwhence thou here hast come; make haste, for thou artignorant where thou shalt go.
Be on thy guard, my friend, for soon thou wilt beseparate from thy soul; thou then shalt go behind thecurtain of God's secrecy. Drink, for thou knowest notwhence thou here hast come; make haste, for thou artignorant where thou shalt go.
86.
Since we must die, why do we live? Why agonize toreach a problematic bliss? Since, for some unknowncause, we may not here remain, why not concern ourselvesabout the future pilgrimage? Why disregard ourfate?
Since we must die, why do we live? Why agonize toreach a problematic bliss? Since, for some unknowncause, we may not here remain, why not concern ourselvesabout the future pilgrimage? Why disregard ourfate?
87.
Occasion makes me sing the praise of wine when I surroundmyself with men and things I love. O Devotee!canst thou be happy here below knowing that wisdom isyour Lord? Then know, at least, that wisdom is myslave.
Occasion makes me sing the praise of wine when I surroundmyself with men and things I love. O Devotee!canst thou be happy here below knowing that wisdom isyour Lord? Then know, at least, that wisdom is myslave.
88.
The world will ever count me as depraved. NathelessI am not guilty, Men of Holiness! Look on yourselvesand question what you are. Ye say I contravene theKoran's law. Yet I have only known the sins of drunkenness,debauchery and leasing.
The world will ever count me as depraved. NathelessI am not guilty, Men of Holiness! Look on yourselvesand question what you are. Ye say I contravene theKoran's law. Yet I have only known the sins of drunkenness,debauchery and leasing.
89.
Free yourselves from your own passions and insatiategreed and lo! you shall go out poor as a mendicant.Look, rather, unto what you are, whence you have come,and learn what you are doing and where bound.
Free yourselves from your own passions and insatiategreed and lo! you shall go out poor as a mendicant.Look, rather, unto what you are, whence you have come,and learn what you are doing and where bound.
90.
The universe is but a point in our poor round of life;the Djeihoun [Oxus] but a feeble trace of tears andblood; Hell but a spark of useless worry which we giveourselves, and Paradise an instant of repose, which herebelow we rarely catch.
The universe is but a point in our poor round of life;the Djeihoun [Oxus] but a feeble trace of tears andblood; Hell but a spark of useless worry which we giveourselves, and Paradise an instant of repose, which herebelow we rarely catch.
91.