Wine has been prohibited, perhaps, but it is only prohibitedaccording to the person who drinks it, accordingto the quantity drunk, and according to the individualwith whom we drink it. These points once observed,who would drink it if not the wise?
Wine has been prohibited, perhaps, but it is only prohibitedaccording to the person who drinks it, accordingto the quantity drunk, and according to the individualwith whom we drink it. These points once observed,who would drink it if not the wise?
181.
For myself, I should pour some wine into a cup thatwould contain a pint. I should be content with twocups; but first I should divorce myself thrice from religionand reason, and then espouse the daughter of thevine.
For myself, I should pour some wine into a cup thatwould contain a pint. I should be content with twocups; but first I should divorce myself thrice from religionand reason, and then espouse the daughter of thevine.
182.
Yes, I drink wine, and whoever like me is far-seeingwill find that this act is insignificant in the eyes of theDivinity. From all eternity God has known that I woulddrink wine. If I did not drink it, His prescience wouldbe pure ignorance.
Yes, I drink wine, and whoever like me is far-seeingwill find that this act is insignificant in the eyes of theDivinity. From all eternity God has known that I woulddrink wine. If I did not drink it, His prescience wouldbe pure ignorance.
183.
The drinker, if he is rich, ruins himself. The disorderof his drunkenness provokes scandal in the world. Forthis I should put an emerald in the bowl of my ruby pipe,effectually to blind the serpent of my grief.
The drinker, if he is rich, ruins himself. The disorderof his drunkenness provokes scandal in the world. Forthis I should put an emerald in the bowl of my ruby pipe,effectually to blind the serpent of my grief.
184.
There are some ignorant beings who have never passeda night in quest of truth, who have never taken a stepoutside themselves, who show themselves clothed in thegarments of great lords and who are pleased to slanderthose whose conduct is irreproachable.
There are some ignorant beings who have never passeda night in quest of truth, who have never taken a stepoutside themselves, who show themselves clothed in thegarments of great lords and who are pleased to slanderthose whose conduct is irreproachable.
185.
When the azure of dawn shows itself, have the sparklingcup in thine hand. They say that truth is bitter in themouth of mortals. That is a plausible reason for winebeing truth itself.
When the azure of dawn shows itself, have the sparklingcup in thine hand. They say that truth is bitter in themouth of mortals. That is a plausible reason for winebeing truth itself.
186.
This is the moment when the verdure begins to ornamentthe world, when, like the hand of Moses, the buds beginto show themselves upon the branches; when, revivified,as if by the breath of Jesus, the plants spring forth fromthe earth; when finally the clouds begin to ope theireyes and weep.
This is the moment when the verdure begins to ornamentthe world, when, like the hand of Moses, the buds beginto show themselves upon the branches; when, revivified,as if by the breath of Jesus, the plants spring forth fromthe earth; when finally the clouds begin to ope theireyes and weep.
187.
Keep from the trouble and vexation of aiming to acquirewhite silver or yellow gold. Eat with thy friend,ere thy warm breath be cooled, for after thee come enemieswho will eat thee.
Keep from the trouble and vexation of aiming to acquirewhite silver or yellow gold. Eat with thy friend,ere thy warm breath be cooled, for after thee come enemieswho will eat thee.
188.
Each mouthful of wine which the cupbearer pours intothe cup helps to extinguish the fire of anger in thy burningeyes. Has it not been said, O great God, that wineis an elixir which drives from the heart a hundred sorrowsthat oppress it?
Each mouthful of wine which the cupbearer pours intothe cup helps to extinguish the fire of anger in thy burningeyes. Has it not been said, O great God, that wineis an elixir which drives from the heart a hundred sorrowsthat oppress it?
189.
When the violet has tinted her cheeks, when thezephyr has made the roses bloom, then he who is wise incompany with the fact will drink wine until he can dashthe cup against a stone [showing emptiness].
When the violet has tinted her cheeks, when thezephyr has made the roses bloom, then he who is wise incompany with the fact will drink wine until he can dashthe cup against a stone [showing emptiness].
190.
The devotee knows not how to appreciate as well aswe Thy divine pity. A stranger can never know Theeas perfectly as a friend. [They pretend] that Thou hastsaid: If you commit sin, I will send you into Hell. Gonow—tell that to one who knows Thee not.
The devotee knows not how to appreciate as well aswe Thy divine pity. A stranger can never know Theeas perfectly as a friend. [They pretend] that Thou hastsaid: If you commit sin, I will send you into Hell. Gonow—tell that to one who knows Thee not.
191.
A cup of wine is worth the empire of the universe;the brick which covers the jar is worth a thousand lives.The napkin with which one wipes lips moistened withwine is indeed worth a thousand turbans.
A cup of wine is worth the empire of the universe;the brick which covers the jar is worth a thousand lives.The napkin with which one wipes lips moistened withwine is indeed worth a thousand turbans.
192.
O Friends! meet together [after my death]. Once reunited,rejoice in being together and, when the cupbearertakes in his hand a cup of old wine, remember poorKhayyam and drink to his memory.
O Friends! meet together [after my death]. Once reunited,rejoice in being together and, when the cupbearertakes in his hand a cup of old wine, remember poorKhayyam and drink to his memory.
193.
Not a single time has the Wheel of Heaven been propitiousto me, never for one instant has it allowed meto hear a sweet voice, not a day has it given me asecond of happiness but that very day it has plungedme into an abyss of grief.
Not a single time has the Wheel of Heaven been propitiousto me, never for one instant has it allowed meto hear a sweet voice, not a day has it given me asecond of happiness but that very day it has plungedme into an abyss of grief.
194.
A cup of wine is worth a hundred hearts, a hundredcreeds, a mouthful of this juice divine is worth the Empireof China. What is there, truly, on the earth preferableto wine? It is a bitter that is a hundred timessweeter than life.
A cup of wine is worth a hundred hearts, a hundredcreeds, a mouthful of this juice divine is worth the Empireof China. What is there, truly, on the earth preferableto wine? It is a bitter that is a hundred timessweeter than life.
195.
The Wheel of Heaven only multiplies our griefs! Itplaces nothing here below that it does not soon bearaway. Oh! if those who have not yet come knewthe suffering this world inflicts, they would guard themselveswell from coming here.
The Wheel of Heaven only multiplies our griefs! Itplaces nothing here below that it does not soon bearaway. Oh! if those who have not yet come knewthe suffering this world inflicts, they would guard themselveswell from coming here.
196.
Drink, drink this wine which gives eternal life; drink,for it is the source of youthful joy; it burns like fire,but, like life's essence, drives away your care. Thendrink!
Drink, drink this wine which gives eternal life; drink,for it is the source of youthful joy; it burns like fire,but, like life's essence, drives away your care. Thendrink!
197.
O Friend, to what good art thou preoccupied withbeing? Why trouble thus thy heart, thy soul with idlethoughts? Live happily, pass thy time joyously, for youwere not asked your opinion about the making of thingsas they are.
O Friend, to what good art thou preoccupied withbeing? Why trouble thus thy heart, thy soul with idlethoughts? Live happily, pass thy time joyously, for youwere not asked your opinion about the making of thingsas they are.
198.
The inhabitants of the tomb are returned to earth indust; the atoms [of which they are composed] are scatteredhere and there, separated one from the other.Alas! what is this drink in which the human race issoaked and which holds it thus in dizzy ignorance of allthings, even to the day of doom?
The inhabitants of the tomb are returned to earth indust; the atoms [of which they are composed] are scatteredhere and there, separated one from the other.Alas! what is this drink in which the human race issoaked and which holds it thus in dizzy ignorance of allthings, even to the day of doom?
199.
O heart! act as if all the good things of this worldbelonged to you; imagine that this house is providedwith everything, that it is richly furnished, and live joyouslyin this domain of disorder. Realize that thou restesthere for two or three days, and that thereafter thoushalt rise and go away.
O heart! act as if all the good things of this worldbelonged to you; imagine that this house is providedwith everything, that it is richly furnished, and live joyouslyin this domain of disorder. Realize that thou restesthere for two or three days, and that thereafter thoushalt rise and go away.
200.
The dogmas of religion admit only that which placesyou under obligation to the Divinity. That morsel ofbread that you have, refuse not to others; keep fromspeaking evil; render evil to no one, and it is I whopromise you a future life: bring wine.
The dogmas of religion admit only that which placesyou under obligation to the Divinity. That morsel ofbread that you have, refuse not to others; keep fromspeaking evil; render evil to no one, and it is I whopromise you a future life: bring wine.
201.
Dragged through the rapid course of time, which accordsits favors only to the least worthy, my life is passedin a gulf of grief and sorrow. In this garden of being,my heart is hard as is the green bud of a rose; and likea tulip, it is dipped in blood.
Dragged through the rapid course of time, which accordsits favors only to the least worthy, my life is passedin a gulf of grief and sorrow. In this garden of being,my heart is hard as is the green bud of a rose; and likea tulip, it is dipped in blood.
202.
What belongs to youth is wine, the limpid juice of thevine and the society of beauty; and since water oncebrought ruin to this world by annihilating it, it is ourpart to drown ourselves in wine, to pass our life indrunkenness complete.
What belongs to youth is wine, the limpid juice of thevine and the society of beauty; and since water oncebrought ruin to this world by annihilating it, it is ourpart to drown ourselves in wine, to pass our life indrunkenness complete.
203.
Bring wine from this ruby vessel and pour it into asimple crystal cup; bring that thing habitual and dearto every noble man. Since you know that all beings arebut dust, and that a two-day tempest makes them disappear,bring wine.
Bring wine from this ruby vessel and pour it into asimple crystal cup; bring that thing habitual and dearto every noble man. Since you know that all beings arebut dust, and that a two-day tempest makes them disappear,bring wine.
204.
O Thou, the quest of whom holds all in dizziness anddistress, the dervish and the rich are equally void ofmeans of reaching Thee. Thy name is in the speechof all, but all are deaf; Thou art present to the eyes ofall, but all are blind.
O Thou, the quest of whom holds all in dizziness anddistress, the dervish and the rich are equally void ofmeans of reaching Thee. Thy name is in the speechof all, but all are deaf; Thou art present to the eyes ofall, but all are blind.
205.
In company with one dear friend, how pleasing to meis a cup of wine. When I become the prey of care, itis fitting that my eyes should be filled with tears. Oh!this abject world has nothing lasting for us, and best itis to dwell inebriate.
In company with one dear friend, how pleasing to meis a cup of wine. When I become the prey of care, itis fitting that my eyes should be filled with tears. Oh!this abject world has nothing lasting for us, and best itis to dwell inebriate.
206.
Keep thyself from drinking wine in the company of aboorish, violent character, having no mind or self-control,for such a man knows only how to cause unpleasantness.For the time, thou wouldst have to undergo the disorderof his drunkenness, his vociferations, his folly. And thenext day, his prayers for excuse and pardon would cometo weary thy head.
Keep thyself from drinking wine in the company of aboorish, violent character, having no mind or self-control,for such a man knows only how to cause unpleasantness.For the time, thou wouldst have to undergo the disorderof his drunkenness, his vociferations, his folly. And thenext day, his prayers for excuse and pardon would cometo weary thy head.
207.
Since you only possess what God has given you, tormentnot yourself to obtain the object of your covetousness.Keep from burdening the heart too much, for thefinal drama consists in leaving all and passing beyond.
Since you only possess what God has given you, tormentnot yourself to obtain the object of your covetousness.Keep from burdening the heart too much, for thefinal drama consists in leaving all and passing beyond.
208.
O my soul! drink this limpid nectar which has notbeen stirred; drink it in memory of the charming idolswhich ravish the heart. Wine is the blood of the vine,my friend, and the vine says to thee: Drink of me,since I render it lawful to you.
O my soul! drink this limpid nectar which has notbeen stirred; drink it in memory of the charming idolswhich ravish the heart. Wine is the blood of the vine,my friend, and the vine says to thee: Drink of me,since I render it lawful to you.
209.
In the season of flowers, drink rose-colored wine; drinkto the plaintive sounds of the lute, to the melodious noiseof the harp. As for me, I drink and rejoice in it; mayit be salutary to me! If you do not drink, why not bewilling that I should? Go, then, and eat pebbles!
In the season of flowers, drink rose-colored wine; drinkto the plaintive sounds of the lute, to the melodious noiseof the harp. As for me, I drink and rejoice in it; mayit be salutary to me! If you do not drink, why not bewilling that I should? Go, then, and eat pebbles!
210.
Art thou sad? Take a piece of hasheesh as large as agrain of barley, or drink a small measure of rose-coloredwine. Then you will become a Sufi. But, if you willnot drink of this or partake of that, nothing remains foryou but to eat pebbles; go, eat some pebbles!
Art thou sad? Take a piece of hasheesh as large as agrain of barley, or drink a small measure of rose-coloredwine. Then you will become a Sufi. But, if you willnot drink of this or partake of that, nothing remains foryou but to eat pebbles; go, eat some pebbles!
211.
But yesterday, I saw a potter in a bazaar treadingmost vigorously the clay he was molding. The clayseemed to say to him: I also have been like thee; treatme, then, with less harshness.
But yesterday, I saw a potter in a bazaar treadingmost vigorously the clay he was molding. The clayseemed to say to him: I also have been like thee; treatme, then, with less harshness.
212.
If thou drinkest wine, drink it with intelligent people,drink it in company with thy ravishing idols, with smilesupon their lips and their cheeks tinted with the colors ofthe tulip. Drink not too much or speak boastingly ofit; make it not a refrain, but drink a little from timeto time in quietude.
If thou drinkest wine, drink it with intelligent people,drink it in company with thy ravishing idols, with smilesupon their lips and their cheeks tinted with the colors ofthe tulip. Drink not too much or speak boastingly ofit; make it not a refrain, but drink a little from timeto time in quietude.
213.
Wine should be drunk in the company of slender creatureswho ravish the heart with the color of their cheeks.Art thou bitten by the serpent of grief, friend—drink, then,of this antidote. I myself drink of it and plume myselfon the strength of it; would that it might be propitious!If you drink it not, why not be willing that I should?Go, eat some earth.
Wine should be drunk in the company of slender creatureswho ravish the heart with the color of their cheeks.Art thou bitten by the serpent of grief, friend—drink, then,of this antidote. I myself drink of it and plume myselfon the strength of it; would that it might be propitious!If you drink it not, why not be willing that I should?Go, eat some earth.
214.
Here is the Dawn; arise, O beardless youth, and quicklyfill this crystal cup with ruby wine, for [later], you couldseek long time ere finding such a moment of existence asis lent us in this world of nothingness.
Here is the Dawn; arise, O beardless youth, and quicklyfill this crystal cup with ruby wine, for [later], you couldseek long time ere finding such a moment of existence asis lent us in this world of nothingness.
215.
'Twixt wine and Jemshid's throne, give me the wine;the bouquet of the cup is sweeter than the Virgin'sheaven-sent fruits. The morning sigh of one inebriatethe bygone night is more melodious than the longdrawnlamentations of Adhem or Bou-Saïd.
'Twixt wine and Jemshid's throne, give me the wine;the bouquet of the cup is sweeter than the Virgin'sheaven-sent fruits. The morning sigh of one inebriatethe bygone night is more melodious than the longdrawnlamentations of Adhem or Bou-Saïd.
216.
O my heart! since the foundation, even, of the thingsof this world is only a fiction, why do you venture thusin an infinite gulf of sorrow? Trust yourself to destiny,endure the evil, for the lot which the heavenly brushhas traced for you will not be effaced.
O my heart! since the foundation, even, of the thingsof this world is only a fiction, why do you venture thusin an infinite gulf of sorrow? Trust yourself to destiny,endure the evil, for the lot which the heavenly brushhas traced for you will not be effaced.
217.
Of all those who have taken the long road, who is therenow returned of whom I may ask news? O friend! bewareof putting any hope whatever in this sordid world,for, know well that thou here shalt ne'er return.
Of all those who have taken the long road, who is therenow returned of whom I may ask news? O friend! bewareof putting any hope whatever in this sordid world,for, know well that thou here shalt ne'er return.
218.
Since each of these nights and each of these days cutsoff a part of thy existence, allow not the nights or thedays to cover thee with dust. Pass them gaily, for howlong, alas! shalt thou be absent, while the nights anddays will still be here!
Since each of these nights and each of these days cutsoff a part of thy existence, allow not the nights or thedays to cover thee with dust. Pass them gaily, for howlong, alas! shalt thou be absent, while the nights anddays will still be here!
219.
This wheel of heaven which tells its secrets to no man,has killed a thousand Mahmouds [Sultans] and a thousandAyaz [favorites]; drink wine, for the life of noneshall ever be restored. Alas! not one of all those wholeft the world can again return!
This wheel of heaven which tells its secrets to no man,has killed a thousand Mahmouds [Sultans] and a thousandAyaz [favorites]; drink wine, for the life of noneshall ever be restored. Alas! not one of all those wholeft the world can again return!
220.
O Thou who rulest the whole universe! knowest Thouwhat are the days when wine rejoices the soul? Theyare: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,Friday and Saturday, all day long.
O Thou who rulest the whole universe! knowest Thouwhat are the days when wine rejoices the soul? Theyare: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,Friday and Saturday, all day long.
221.
O Being, exquisite in thy enticing and coquettish charm!be seated: rise no more and thus appease the fire of athousand torments. Thou enjoinest me not to look uponThee; but it is as if Thou shouldst order me to inclinethe cup and forbid me spilling its contents.
O Being, exquisite in thy enticing and coquettish charm!be seated: rise no more and thus appease the fire of athousand torments. Thou enjoinest me not to look uponThee; but it is as if Thou shouldst order me to inclinethe cup and forbid me spilling its contents.
222.
Better to be with Thee in the tavern, and there tellThee my secret thoughts, than to go without Thee andmake a prayer in the mosque. Yea, O Creator of allthat was and all that is! such is my faith, whether Thouburnest me, or accordest me Thy favor.
Better to be with Thee in the tavern, and there tellThee my secret thoughts, than to go without Thee andmake a prayer in the mosque. Yea, O Creator of allthat was and all that is! such is my faith, whether Thouburnest me, or accordest me Thy favor.
223.
Consort with honest and intelligent men. Flee a thousandmiles away from the ignorant. If a man of mindgive thee poison, drink it; if an ignorant one presentthee an antidote, pour it upon the ground.
Consort with honest and intelligent men. Flee a thousandmiles away from the ignorant. If a man of mindgive thee poison, drink it; if an ignorant one presentthee an antidote, pour it upon the ground.
224.
The clouds are still spread out above the roses andseem to cover them as with a veil. The desire for wineis not yet satiated in my heart. Then go not to rest, it isnot yet the hour. O my soul, drink of the wine; drink,for the sun is still upon the horizon.
The clouds are still spread out above the roses andseem to cover them as with a veil. The desire for wineis not yet satiated in my heart. Then go not to rest, it isnot yet the hour. O my soul, drink of the wine; drink,for the sun is still upon the horizon.
225.
Like unto a sparrow-hawk, I am flying away from thisworld of mysteries, hoping to lift myself to a higherworld; but, fallen, here below, and finding no one worthyto share my secret thoughts, I go out through the doorby which I entered.
Like unto a sparrow-hawk, I am flying away from thisworld of mysteries, hoping to lift myself to a higherworld; but, fallen, here below, and finding no one worthyto share my secret thoughts, I go out through the doorby which I entered.
226.
Thou hast put in us an irresistible passion [which isequivalent to an order from Thee], and, on the otherhand, forbiddest us to give way to it. Poor humanbeings are in extreme embarrassment between this orderand this prohibition, for it is as if Thou commandest meto upset the cup but refrain from spilling the contents.
Thou hast put in us an irresistible passion [which isequivalent to an order from Thee], and, on the otherhand, forbiddest us to give way to it. Poor humanbeings are in extreme embarrassment between this orderand this prohibition, for it is as if Thou commandest meto upset the cup but refrain from spilling the contents.
227.
They are gone, these transients, and no one of themhas returned to tell the secrets concealed behind the curtain.O devotee! it is by humility that spiritual affairstake favorable turn and not by prayer, for, what isprayer without sincerity and humility?
They are gone, these transients, and no one of themhas returned to tell the secrets concealed behind the curtain.O devotee! it is by humility that spiritual affairstake favorable turn and not by prayer, for, what isprayer without sincerity and humility?
228.
Throw dust upon the vault of heaven and drink somewine; seek out the fair, for where see you a subject forpardon, a subject for prayer, since, of all those whohave gone away, no one has returned?
Throw dust upon the vault of heaven and drink somewine; seek out the fair, for where see you a subject forpardon, a subject for prayer, since, of all those whohave gone away, no one has returned?
229.
Although on my necklace of duty I have never strungthe pearl of submission, as is Thy due, although neverin my heart have I swept the dust from Thy steps, Ihave never despaired reaching the sill of Thy throne ofpity, for never have I importuned Thee with my troubles.
Although on my necklace of duty I have never strungthe pearl of submission, as is Thy due, although neverin my heart have I swept the dust from Thy steps, Ihave never despaired reaching the sill of Thy throne ofpity, for never have I importuned Thee with my troubles.
230.
Let us recommence the course of our pleasures andsay thetekbir[farewell] to the five prayers. Everywhere,where the flask is present, you will see, like the neck ofthe flask itself, our necks stretching out towards the cup.
Let us recommence the course of our pleasures andsay thetekbir[farewell] to the five prayers. Everywhere,where the flask is present, you will see, like the neck ofthe flask itself, our necks stretching out towards the cup.
231.
Here below, we are only the puppets with which theWheel of Heaven is amused. This is a truth and not ametaphor. We are in fact the playthings upon this humancheckerboard, which finally we leave to enter oneby one the coffin of annihilation.
Here below, we are only the puppets with which theWheel of Heaven is amused. This is a truth and not ametaphor. We are in fact the playthings upon this humancheckerboard, which finally we leave to enter oneby one the coffin of annihilation.
232.
You ask me what is this phantasmagoria of things herebelow. To tell you the whole truth regarding it wouldbe too long: it is a fantastic image which comes out ofa vast sea, and which re-enters, later, the same vast sea.
You ask me what is this phantasmagoria of things herebelow. To tell you the whole truth regarding it wouldbe too long: it is a fantastic image which comes out ofa vast sea, and which re-enters, later, the same vast sea.
233.
To-day we are lost in love, we are in deep distress,and finally inebriate, within the temple of our idolsrender to the cult of wine its due. To-day, entirely separatefrom our being, we shall have attained the step ofthe eternal throne.
To-day we are lost in love, we are in deep distress,and finally inebriate, within the temple of our idolsrender to the cult of wine its due. To-day, entirely separatefrom our being, we shall have attained the step ofthe eternal throne.
234.
My well-beloved [would that her life might last as longas my sorrows!] has commenced to be amiable to meagain. She cast in my eyes a sweet and furtive lookand disappeared, saying without doubt to herself: Dogood and cast it on the waters.
My well-beloved [would that her life might last as longas my sorrows!] has commenced to be amiable to meagain. She cast in my eyes a sweet and furtive lookand disappeared, saying without doubt to herself: Dogood and cast it on the waters.
235.
Here is the Dawn! Rise Thou, O Source of all Delight!Drink sweetly of the wine and let us listen to the harmoniesof the harp, for the life of those who sleep willnot be long, and of those who are no more, not one wille'er return.
Here is the Dawn! Rise Thou, O Source of all Delight!Drink sweetly of the wine and let us listen to the harmoniesof the harp, for the life of those who sleep willnot be long, and of those who are no more, not one wille'er return.
236.
O Thou, who knowest the secrets hidden most deeplyat the bottom of the heart of each, Thou who raisest withThy hand all those who fall in distress, give me the powerof renunciation and accept my excuses, O God!—Thouwho givest this power to all, who acceptest the excusesof all!
O Thou, who knowest the secrets hidden most deeplyat the bottom of the heart of each, Thou who raisest withThy hand all those who fall in distress, give me the powerof renunciation and accept my excuses, O God!—Thouwho givest this power to all, who acceptest the excusesof all!
237.
I saw on the walls of the city of Thous a bird hoveringbefore the skull of Kai-Kawous. The bird said tothe skull: Alas! what has become of the noise of thyglory and the sound of the clarion?
I saw on the walls of the city of Thous a bird hoveringbefore the skull of Kai-Kawous. The bird said tothe skull: Alas! what has become of the noise of thyglory and the sound of the clarion?
238.
Raise no question of the vicissitudes of this world, norof affairs of the future. Consider what a prize we havein the present moment, and disturb not thyself with thepast or question me about the future.
Raise no question of the vicissitudes of this world, norof affairs of the future. Consider what a prize we havein the present moment, and disturb not thyself with thepast or question me about the future.
239.
Let not the fear of future things yellow thy cheeks; letnot present affairs make thee tremble with fright; rejoice,in this world of annihilation, at the portion of pleasurewhich comes to you, and wait not for that which thekindness of heaven may withhold.
Let not the fear of future things yellow thy cheeks; letnot present affairs make thee tremble with fright; rejoice,in this world of annihilation, at the portion of pleasurewhich comes to you, and wait not for that which thekindness of heaven may withhold.
240.
If you will listen to me, I will give you some advice:[Here it is] For the love of God put not on the mantleof hypocrisy. Eternity is for all time, and this worldis but an instant. Then sell not for an instant the empireof eternity.
If you will listen to me, I will give you some advice:[Here it is] For the love of God put not on the mantleof hypocrisy. Eternity is for all time, and this worldis but an instant. Then sell not for an instant the empireof eternity.
241.
How long can I hold you by my ignorance? My ownannihilation oppresses my heart. Straightway I gird myloins with the ephod of the priests. Do you know why?Because it is the fashion of the Musulman, and I am one.
How long can I hold you by my ignorance? My ownannihilation oppresses my heart. Straightway I gird myloins with the ephod of the priests. Do you know why?Because it is the fashion of the Musulman, and I am one.
242.
O Khayyam! when intoxicate, be happy; when seatednear a beauty, joyous be. Since the end of things in thisworld is annihilation, pretend that you are not, butsince you are, give yourself up to pleasure.
O Khayyam! when intoxicate, be happy; when seatednear a beauty, joyous be. Since the end of things in thisworld is annihilation, pretend that you are not, butsince you are, give yourself up to pleasure.
243.
Yesterday, I visited the workshop of a potter; there Isaw two thousand pitchers, some speaking, others silent.Each one of these seemed to say to me: Where is thepotter? Where is the buyer of pitchers? Where theseller?
Yesterday, I visited the workshop of a potter; there Isaw two thousand pitchers, some speaking, others silent.Each one of these seemed to say to me: Where is thepotter? Where is the buyer of pitchers? Where theseller?
244.
Yesterday, while passing drunk before an inn, I met anold man overcome with wine and carrying a gourd ofwine upon his back. I said to him: O aged man! haveyou no fear of God? He answered me: Pity comes fromHim; go, drink some wine.
Yesterday, while passing drunk before an inn, I met anold man overcome with wine and carrying a gourd ofwine upon his back. I said to him: O aged man! haveyou no fear of God? He answered me: Pity comes fromHim; go, drink some wine.
245.
How long will lack of success in thy enterprises grievethee? Torment is the portion of those who think of thefuture. Live then, in joy, grieve not thy heart with thecares of this world, and know that wine increases not atall the bitterness of pain.
How long will lack of success in thy enterprises grievethee? Torment is the portion of those who think of thefuture. Live then, in joy, grieve not thy heart with thecares of this world, and know that wine increases not atall the bitterness of pain.
246.
Wine, which the wise man knows how to appreciate,is for me the water of life and I its prophet am. It isbalm for the heart, an elixir which fortifies the soul.Has God Himself not said: The benefits of the humanrace are found in wine.
Wine, which the wise man knows how to appreciate,is for me the water of life and I its prophet am. It isbalm for the heart, an elixir which fortifies the soul.Has God Himself not said: The benefits of the humanrace are found in wine.
247.
Although wine be prohibited, drink it without ceasing,drink it in the evening and in the morning, drink it tothe noise of songs and to the sound of the harp. Whenyou can, procure that which sparkles like the ruby, throwa drop on the earth and drink all the rest.
Although wine be prohibited, drink it without ceasing,drink it in the evening and in the morning, drink it tothe noise of songs and to the sound of the harp. Whenyou can, procure that which sparkles like the ruby, throwa drop on the earth and drink all the rest.
248.
Diversity of creed divides the human race into aboutseventy-two sects. Amongst all these dogmas, I havechosen that of Thy love. What signify these words:Impiety, Islamism, creed, sin? My true aim is to seekThee. Far be from me all these vain, indifferent pretexts.
Diversity of creed divides the human race into aboutseventy-two sects. Amongst all these dogmas, I havechosen that of Thy love. What signify these words:Impiety, Islamism, creed, sin? My true aim is to seekThee. Far be from me all these vain, indifferent pretexts.
249.
Enumerate my good qualities one by one; my faults,pass by in tens. Pardon each sin committed for the loveof God. Fan not the fire of hatred by the breath ofpassion, pardon, rather, in memory of the tomb of theProphet of God [Mohammed].
Enumerate my good qualities one by one; my faults,pass by in tens. Pardon each sin committed for the loveof God. Fan not the fire of hatred by the breath ofpassion, pardon, rather, in memory of the tomb of theProphet of God [Mohammed].
250.
In truth, wine is a limpid spirit in the cup; in the bodyof the flask, it is a transparent soul. No annoying personis worthy of my society. It is only the cup of winewhich can figure there, for that is at once a solid and adiaphanous body.
In truth, wine is a limpid spirit in the cup; in the bodyof the flask, it is a transparent soul. No annoying personis worthy of my society. It is only the cup of winewhich can figure there, for that is at once a solid and adiaphanous body.
251.
O Wheel of Heaven! Thou art complete in Thy ingratitude.Thou keepest me constantly bare [naked]like a fish. The weaver's loom weaves clothes for humanbeings; more charitable is it than Thou, O Wheel ofHeaven!
O Wheel of Heaven! Thou art complete in Thy ingratitude.Thou keepest me constantly bare [naked]like a fish. The weaver's loom weaves clothes for humanbeings; more charitable is it than Thou, O Wheel ofHeaven!
252.
O Khayyam! Time is ashamed of him who allows hisheart to be saddened by vicissitudes below; drink, then,to the sound of the harp, drink some wine from thecrystal, before the crystal broken be upon a stone.
O Khayyam! Time is ashamed of him who allows hisheart to be saddened by vicissitudes below; drink, then,to the sound of the harp, drink some wine from thecrystal, before the crystal broken be upon a stone.
253.
If the rose is not our portion, do not the thorns remain?If light divine does not reach us, is there not the fire [ofhell]? If we have not the clerical mantle, or that ofthe temple, or the pontifical, do not the bells, the church,and the ephod remain to us?
If the rose is not our portion, do not the thorns remain?If light divine does not reach us, is there not the fire [ofhell]? If we have not the clerical mantle, or that ofthe temple, or the pontifical, do not the bells, the church,and the ephod remain to us?
254.
If the Wheel of Heaven refuses me peace, am I notready for war? If I have not an honorable reputation,have I not shame for myself? Here is the cup full ofwine the color of rubies; he who will not drink of it, hashe not his head and a stone?
If the Wheel of Heaven refuses me peace, am I notready for war? If I have not an honorable reputation,have I not shame for myself? Here is the cup full ofwine the color of rubies; he who will not drink of it, hashe not his head and a stone?
255.
See Dawn appears. Already has it rent the veil ofnight. Arise, then, and empty the morning cup. Whythis sadness? Drink, O my heart! drink, for these dawnswill succeed each other with face turned towards us,when we shall have ours turned towards the earth.
See Dawn appears. Already has it rent the veil ofnight. Arise, then, and empty the morning cup. Whythis sadness? Drink, O my heart! drink, for these dawnswill succeed each other with face turned towards us,when we shall have ours turned towards the earth.
256.
All that this world contains are but images and flourishesof fiction. Ill-advised is he who does not comprehendhis place in the number of these images. Repose,thou, friend, drink a cup of wine, give thyself up to joyand thus be delivered from all these vain figures, fromthese impossible reflections [which come to assail thymind].
All that this world contains are but images and flourishesof fiction. Ill-advised is he who does not comprehendhis place in the number of these images. Repose,thou, friend, drink a cup of wine, give thyself up to joyand thus be delivered from all these vain figures, fromthese impossible reflections [which come to assail thymind].
257.
When you are in the company of a beauty with cypress-likefigure and a color fresher than the newly-culledrose, put not far from thee the flowers of the field, norlet the cup escape from thy hand; [do this] before thenorth-wind of death, like a gale which disperses theleaves of the roses, tears in tatters the envelope of thybeing.
When you are in the company of a beauty with cypress-likefigure and a color fresher than the newly-culledrose, put not far from thee the flowers of the field, norlet the cup escape from thy hand; [do this] before thenorth-wind of death, like a gale which disperses theleaves of the roses, tears in tatters the envelope of thybeing.
258.
How long these cries, these groans against the thingsof this world? Rise, rather, and pass gaily every instant.When the universe shall be re-dressed in green from endto end, drink wine in a ruby cup, full to the brim.
How long these cries, these groans against the thingsof this world? Rise, rather, and pass gaily every instant.When the universe shall be re-dressed in green from endto end, drink wine in a ruby cup, full to the brim.
259.
Give not vain thoughts free access to thy mind. Drinkwine throughout the year, and always cups filled to thebrim. Pursue the daughter of the vine and aye rejoice,for it is better to enjoy the daughter without leave oflaw than know the mother with her full consent.
Give not vain thoughts free access to thy mind. Drinkwine throughout the year, and always cups filled to thebrim. Pursue the daughter of the vine and aye rejoice,for it is better to enjoy the daughter without leave oflaw than know the mother with her full consent.
260.
My love is at the apogee of its flame. The beautyof the one who captivates my soul [the Divinity] is complete.My heart speaks, but my tongue remains mute,refusing to express my sentiments. Great God! Has oneever seen aught more strange? I am devoured by thirst,and before me flows a fresh and limpid draught!
My love is at the apogee of its flame. The beautyof the one who captivates my soul [the Divinity] is complete.My heart speaks, but my tongue remains mute,refusing to express my sentiments. Great God! Has oneever seen aught more strange? I am devoured by thirst,and before me flows a fresh and limpid draught!
261.
Take a cup of wine in thy hand, then mingle thy voicewith that of the nightingale, for, if it were meet to drinkthis juice of the vine without accompaniment of harmonioussound, the wine itself would make no noise inslipping out of the flask.
Take a cup of wine in thy hand, then mingle thy voicewith that of the nightingale, for, if it were meet to drinkthis juice of the vine without accompaniment of harmonioussound, the wine itself would make no noise inslipping out of the flask.
262.
Guard thyself from ever despairing for a crime committed,and be mindful of the clemency of thy Creator,the pity of the Master; for, should'st thou die to-day, ina state of complete drunkenness, to-morrow he wouldpardon thy decaying dust for all.
Guard thyself from ever despairing for a crime committed,and be mindful of the clemency of thy Creator,the pity of the Master; for, should'st thou die to-day, ina state of complete drunkenness, to-morrow he wouldpardon thy decaying dust for all.
263.
O Wheel of Heaven, thy circular course does not satisfyme. Deliver me from it, for I am unworthy of thychain. If thy good pleasure consists in according thyfavors only to the poor in mind, to idiots, I am neitherintelligent enough or wise enough [to be confoundedby it].
O Wheel of Heaven, thy circular course does not satisfyme. Deliver me from it, for I am unworthy of thychain. If thy good pleasure consists in according thyfavors only to the poor in mind, to idiots, I am neitherintelligent enough or wise enough [to be confoundedby it].
264.
Omufti[grand judge] of the city! I am more a workerthan art thou. Drunk as I am, I own more intelligencethan thou; for thou, thou drinkest the blood of humanbeings and I that of the vine. Be just and tell mewhich is the more sanguinary of the two?
Omufti[grand judge] of the city! I am more a workerthan art thou. Drunk as I am, I own more intelligencethan thou; for thou, thou drinkest the blood of humanbeings and I that of the vine. Be just and tell mewhich is the more sanguinary of the two?
265.
That which is wisest is to seek joy in our hearts ina cup of wine; and not preoccupy ourselves too muchwith the present or the past; and, finally, were it onlyfor an instant, to free from the shackles of reason thatsoul which has been loaned us and which groans in itsprison.
That which is wisest is to seek joy in our hearts ina cup of wine; and not preoccupy ourselves too muchwith the present or the past; and, finally, were it onlyfor an instant, to free from the shackles of reason thatsoul which has been loaned us and which groans in itsprison.
266.
The moment I shall fly from death, when, like thedry leaves, the particles of my body shall detach themselvesfrom the centers of life, oh, then! with what joyshall I pass across the universe, as through a sieve,before the mason comes to sift my own dust.
The moment I shall fly from death, when, like thedry leaves, the particles of my body shall detach themselvesfrom the centers of life, oh, then! with what joyshall I pass across the universe, as through a sieve,before the mason comes to sift my own dust.
267.
That vault of heaven, under which we reel, we might,in thought, liken to a lantern. The universe is the lantern.The sun represents the light, and we, like theimages with which the lantern is ornamented, dwell therein stupefaction.
That vault of heaven, under which we reel, we might,in thought, liken to a lantern. The universe is the lantern.The sun represents the light, and we, like theimages with which the lantern is ornamented, dwell therein stupefaction.
268.