Thou hast formed me of earth and of water, what canI do? Whether I be wool or silk, it is Thou that hastwoven, and what can I do? The good that I do, theevil that I am guilty of, were alike predestined by Thee;what can I do?
Thou hast formed me of earth and of water, what canI do? Whether I be wool or silk, it is Thou that hastwoven, and what can I do? The good that I do, theevil that I am guilty of, were alike predestined by Thee;what can I do?
269.
O friend, come to me, and let us take no thoughtof to-day nor to-morrow, but consider our short instantof existence as spoils. To-morrow, when we shall haveabandoned this old tent [the world], we shall be thecompanions of those who left it seven thousand yearsago!
O friend, come to me, and let us take no thoughtof to-day nor to-morrow, but consider our short instantof existence as spoils. To-morrow, when we shall haveabandoned this old tent [the world], we shall be thecompanions of those who left it seven thousand yearsago!
270.
Never for a moment be deprived of wine, for it is winethat gives reflection to intelligence, to the heart of manand to religion. If the devil had tasted it for one instant,he would have adored Adam and have made beforehim thousands of genuflections.
Never for a moment be deprived of wine, for it is winethat gives reflection to intelligence, to the heart of manand to religion. If the devil had tasted it for one instant,he would have adored Adam and have made beforehim thousands of genuflections.
271.
Arise, dance, and we shall clap our hands. Drink tothe presence of beauties with the languorous eyes of thenarcissus. Happiness is not very great when one hasemptied but a score of cups; it is strangely completewhen one arrives at the sixtieth.
Arise, dance, and we shall clap our hands. Drink tothe presence of beauties with the languorous eyes of thenarcissus. Happiness is not very great when one hasemptied but a score of cups; it is strangely completewhen one arrives at the sixtieth.
272.
I have shut upon myself the door of avarice, and amthus free from obligation to those who are men and thosewho do not merit the name. Since there exists but onefriend [God] toward whom I can extend my hand, I amwhat I am, and that concerns only Him and me.
I have shut upon myself the door of avarice, and amthus free from obligation to those who are men and thosewho do not merit the name. Since there exists but onefriend [God] toward whom I can extend my hand, I amwhat I am, and that concerns only Him and me.
273.
I am constantly saddened by the motion of this Wheelof the Heavens. I am in revolt against my vile nature.I have neither enough knowledge to hide myself and notreturn to the world, nor intelligence enough to live therewithout preoccupying myself with it.
I am constantly saddened by the motion of this Wheelof the Heavens. I am in revolt against my vile nature.I have neither enough knowledge to hide myself and notreturn to the world, nor intelligence enough to live therewithout preoccupying myself with it.
274.
How many people that I see upon the surface of theearth are plunged in sleep [superstition]! How many Iperceive that are already buried in its depths! When Ithrow my eyes over this desert of Not-being, how manypeople I see who have not yet come—how many whohave already departed!
How many people that I see upon the surface of theearth are plunged in sleep [superstition]! How many Iperceive that are already buried in its depths! When Ithrow my eyes over this desert of Not-being, how manypeople I see who have not yet come—how many whohave already departed!
275.
Thy pity being promised me, I have no fear of sin.With the provision that Thou possessest, I have no disquietabout the journey. Thy benevolence renders myvisage white and of the black book I have no fear.
Thy pity being promised me, I have no fear of sin.With the provision that Thou possessest, I have no disquietabout the journey. Thy benevolence renders myvisage white and of the black book I have no fear.
276.
Be not led to believe that I fear the world, or that Ihave fear of dying, or of seeing my soul go its way.Death being a truth, I have no fear of it. What I fearis that I have not lived well.
Be not led to believe that I fear the world, or that Ihave fear of dying, or of seeing my soul go its way.Death being a truth, I have no fear of it. What I fearis that I have not lived well.
277.
How long shall we be slaves to reason and to everyday? What matters it whether we remain a hundredyears in this world, or whether we dwell here but a day?Go, bring some wine in a bowl before we are transformedinto pitchers in the workshop of some potter.
How long shall we be slaves to reason and to everyday? What matters it whether we remain a hundredyears in this world, or whether we dwell here but a day?Go, bring some wine in a bowl before we are transformedinto pitchers in the workshop of some potter.
278.
How long will you blame us, O ignorant man of God!We are the patrons of the tavern, we are constantly overcomewith wine. You are given up entirely to yourchaplet, to your hypocrisy, and your infernal machinations.We, cup in hand and always near the object of our love,live in accordance with our desires.
How long will you blame us, O ignorant man of God!We are the patrons of the tavern, we are constantly overcomewith wine. You are given up entirely to yourchaplet, to your hypocrisy, and your infernal machinations.We, cup in hand and always near the object of our love,live in accordance with our desires.
279.
Let us sell the diadem of Khan, the crown of Kai, letus sell it and buy the sound of a flute let us sell theturban and the silken cassock, yea, for a cup of wine letus sell the chaplet which in itself contains naught buthypocrisy.
Let us sell the diadem of Khan, the crown of Kai, letus sell it and buy the sound of a flute let us sell theturban and the silken cassock, yea, for a cup of wine letus sell the chaplet which in itself contains naught buthypocrisy.
280.
That day when the juice of the vine does not fermentin my head, the universe could offer me an antidote whichwould be a poison to me. Yea, sorrow over the thingsof this world is a poison, and its antidote is wine. I willtake the antidote then that I may have no fear of thepoison.
That day when the juice of the vine does not fermentin my head, the universe could offer me an antidote whichwould be a poison to me. Yea, sorrow over the thingsof this world is a poison, and its antidote is wine. I willtake the antidote then that I may have no fear of thepoison.
281.
How long shall we blush at the injustice of others?How long shall we burn in the fire of this insipid world?Arise, banish from thee the sorrow of the world, if thouart a man; to-day is a feast; come, drink rose-coloredwine.
How long shall we blush at the injustice of others?How long shall we burn in the fire of this insipid world?Arise, banish from thee the sorrow of the world, if thouart a man; to-day is a feast; come, drink rose-coloredwine.
282.
I am in continual war with my passions, but what canI do? The memory of my deeds causes me a thousandregrets, but what can I do? I admit that in Thy clemencyThou mayest pardon my faults, but the shame ofknowing that Thou knowest what I have done, that shamewill remain, and what can I do?
I am in continual war with my passions, but what canI do? The memory of my deeds causes me a thousandregrets, but what can I do? I admit that in Thy clemencyThou mayest pardon my faults, but the shame ofknowing that Thou knowest what I have done, that shamewill remain, and what can I do?
283.
O my soul! we two form together the parallel of a compass.Although we have two points, we make but onebody. Actually, we turn upon the same point and describea circle, but the day will come finally, when these twopoints shall be united.
O my soul! we two form together the parallel of a compass.Although we have two points, we make but onebody. Actually, we turn upon the same point and describea circle, but the day will come finally, when these twopoints shall be united.
284.
Since this world is not a place of permanent sojourn forus, it would be an enormous error to deprive ourselvesof wine and abstain from the favors of our well-beloved.Oh, peaceable man! how long these discussions upon thecreation or upon the eternity of the world? When I nolonger am, what will it matter to me whether it be ancientor modern.
Since this world is not a place of permanent sojourn forus, it would be an enormous error to deprive ourselvesof wine and abstain from the favors of our well-beloved.Oh, peaceable man! how long these discussions upon thecreation or upon the eternity of the world? When I nolonger am, what will it matter to me whether it be ancientor modern.
285.
Although it may be through duty that I present myselfat the mosque, it certainly is not for the purpose ofmaking a prayer. One day I stole asedjaddeh[prayer-rug].Thesedjaddehis worn out; I have returnedagain, and still again.
Although it may be through duty that I present myselfat the mosque, it certainly is not for the purpose ofmaking a prayer. One day I stole asedjaddeh[prayer-rug].Thesedjaddehis worn out; I have returnedagain, and still again.
286.
Be not cast down by the troubles which we call vicissitudeshere below. Let us occupy ourselves only indrinking pure wine, limpid wine, the color of a rose.Wine, friend, is the blood of the world. The world isour murderer; how shall we resist drinking the blood ofthe heart of him who spills ours?
Be not cast down by the troubles which we call vicissitudeshere below. Let us occupy ourselves only indrinking pure wine, limpid wine, the color of a rose.Wine, friend, is the blood of the world. The world isour murderer; how shall we resist drinking the blood ofthe heart of him who spills ours?
287.
For the love which I bring thee, I am ready to undergoall sorts of blame, and if I violate my vow, I submitto the penalty. Oh! had I to endure until the last daythe torment that thou causest me, that space of timewould still seem too short.
For the love which I bring thee, I am ready to undergoall sorts of blame, and if I violate my vow, I submitto the penalty. Oh! had I to endure until the last daythe torment that thou causest me, that space of timewould still seem too short.
288.
We have arrived too late in this circle of being, andhave descended below human dignity. Oh! since life isnot passed in accordance with our vows, it is betterthat it should be finished, for we are glutted with it!
We have arrived too late in this circle of being, andhave descended below human dignity. Oh! since life isnot passed in accordance with our vows, it is betterthat it should be finished, for we are glutted with it!
289.
Since the world is perishable, I would devise somescheme for it; I would think only of joy, or only of thelimpid wine. They say to me: Would God might makethee renounce it! Nay, would that He might not givesuch command, for if He gave it, I would not obey!
Since the world is perishable, I would devise somescheme for it; I would think only of joy, or only of thelimpid wine. They say to me: Would God might makethee renounce it! Nay, would that He might not givesuch command, for if He gave it, I would not obey!
290.
When, with bowed head, I have fallen at the feet ofdeath; when this destroying angel shall have made melike a bird robbed of its plumage, then of my dust makenothing other than a flask, for the perfume of the winethat it contains might revive me for an instant.
When, with bowed head, I have fallen at the feet ofdeath; when this destroying angel shall have made melike a bird robbed of its plumage, then of my dust makenothing other than a flask, for the perfume of the winethat it contains might revive me for an instant.
291.
When I examine closely the things of this world, whatI see is that human beings in general appropriate to themselves,without merit on their part, the good it contains.As for me, O God All-Powerful! I meet onlythe reverse of my desires in all that falls under my eyes!
When I examine closely the things of this world, whatI see is that human beings in general appropriate to themselves,without merit on their part, the good it contains.As for me, O God All-Powerful! I meet onlythe reverse of my desires in all that falls under my eyes!
292.
It is I who am the chief of habitual patrons of thetavern; it is I who am plunged in rebellion against thelaw, it is I who, during the long nights, soaked in purewine, cry out to God the griefs of my heart imbrued withblood.
It is I who am the chief of habitual patrons of thetavern; it is I who am plunged in rebellion against thelaw, it is I who, during the long nights, soaked in purewine, cry out to God the griefs of my heart imbrued withblood.
293.
How grow the nights without which we could notclose our eyes, and before which a cruel fate comes firstto sadden us! Arise, and let us breathe an instant erethe breath of the morning stirs, for, very long, alas!will this Dawn breathe when we no longer breathe!
How grow the nights without which we could notclose our eyes, and before which a cruel fate comes firstto sadden us! Arise, and let us breathe an instant erethe breath of the morning stirs, for, very long, alas!will this Dawn breathe when we no longer breathe!
294.
Come, see the Dawn, and, with a full cup of rose-coloredwine in hand, let us breathe for an instant. Asfor honor, reputation, that fragile crystal, let us break itagainst a stone. Renounce insatiable desires, and strokethe silken tresses of the fair and list the harmonies of theharp.
Come, see the Dawn, and, with a full cup of rose-coloredwine in hand, let us breathe for an instant. Asfor honor, reputation, that fragile crystal, let us break itagainst a stone. Renounce insatiable desires, and strokethe silken tresses of the fair and list the harmonies of theharp.
295.
In this world, where each breath we breathe leads toa new sorrow, it is better never to breathe an instantwithout a cup of wine in hand. When the breath ofAurora makes itself felt, arise and, time after time, emptythe cup, for [as I have told you] this Dawn will breathefor long, long years when we no longer breathe.
In this world, where each breath we breathe leads toa new sorrow, it is better never to breathe an instantwithout a cup of wine in hand. When the breath ofAurora makes itself felt, arise and, time after time, emptythe cup, for [as I have told you] this Dawn will breathefor long, long years when we no longer breathe.
296.
Should I commit all the sins of the universe, still Thypity, I dare believe, would extend its hand to me. HastThou not promised to put off the day when I should bea prey to my infirmities? [Accomplish Thy promise andfor that] exact not a state more frightful than that inwhich Thou seest me at this moment.
Should I commit all the sins of the universe, still Thypity, I dare believe, would extend its hand to me. HastThou not promised to put off the day when I should bea prey to my infirmities? [Accomplish Thy promise andfor that] exact not a state more frightful than that inwhich Thou seest me at this moment.
297.
If I am drunk with old wine, ah, well! I am. If I aman infidel, fire worshipper or idolater, ah, well! that I am.Each group of individuals forms some idea on my account.But what matters it? I belong to myself and Iam what I am.
If I am drunk with old wine, ah, well! I am. If I aman infidel, fire worshipper or idolater, ah, well! that I am.Each group of individuals forms some idea on my account.But what matters it? I belong to myself and Iam what I am.
298.
From the time since I am, I have not been for an instantwithout drunkenness. This night is that ofKidrand I this night am drunk; my lips are glued to that ofthe cup and, leaning my breast against the jar, I haveheld the neck of the flask in my hand until day.
From the time since I am, I have not been for an instantwithout drunkenness. This night is that ofKidrand I this night am drunk; my lips are glued to that ofthe cup and, leaning my breast against the jar, I haveheld the neck of the flask in my hand until day.
299.
I am constantly attracted by the sight of limpid wine,my ears are ever attentive to the melodious sounds ofthe flute and of therubab[viol]. Oh, if the potter makea pitcher of my dust, would that that pitcher might constantlybe full of wine!
I am constantly attracted by the sight of limpid wine,my ears are ever attentive to the melodious sounds ofthe flute and of therubab[viol]. Oh, if the potter makea pitcher of my dust, would that that pitcher might constantlybe full of wine!
300.
I understand all that annihilation and being apparentlymean; I know the foundation of lofty thought. Ah, well!may all this knowledge be annihilated in me if I recognizein man a higher state than that of drunkenness!
I understand all that annihilation and being apparentlymean; I know the foundation of lofty thought. Ah, well!may all this knowledge be annihilated in me if I recognizein man a higher state than that of drunkenness!
301.
I indeed drink wine, but I commit no disorder. Istretch out my hand, but it is only to seize the cup.Would you know why I am an adorer of wine? It isbecause I do not wish to imitate you and be an adorerof myself.
I indeed drink wine, but I commit no disorder. Istretch out my hand, but it is only to seize the cup.Would you know why I am an adorer of wine? It isbecause I do not wish to imitate you and be an adorerof myself.
302.
Are you discreet enough for me to tell you in a fewwords what man has been from the beginning? A miserablecreature, moulded in the clay of chagrin. He has,for a few years, eaten his morsel here below, and thenhas raised his foot and gone away.
Are you discreet enough for me to tell you in a fewwords what man has been from the beginning? A miserablecreature, moulded in the clay of chagrin. He has,for a few years, eaten his morsel here below, and thenhas raised his foot and gone away.
303.
It is the rim of the wine-jar which we have chosen forour place of prayer; it is in making use of wine that weare rendered worthy of the name of man; it is in thetavern that we get back the time lost in the mosque.
It is the rim of the wine-jar which we have chosen forour place of prayer; it is in making use of wine that weare rendered worthy of the name of man; it is in thetavern that we get back the time lost in the mosque.
304.
It is we who are the true aim of universal creation; itis we who, in the eyes of wisdom, are the essence of divineregard. The circle of this world is like a ring and,without doubt, we are the jeweled signet of it.
It is we who are the true aim of universal creation; itis we who, in the eyes of wisdom, are the essence of divineregard. The circle of this world is like a ring and,without doubt, we are the jeweled signet of it.
305.
Drunkenness has transported us from our own miseryhere below to untold joys; from our humble condition, ithas raised our heads to the skies. Nevertheless, beholdus finally freed from our thraldom to the body! Beholdus returned again to the earth, whence we came!
Drunkenness has transported us from our own miseryhere below to untold joys; from our humble condition, ithas raised our heads to the skies. Nevertheless, beholdus finally freed from our thraldom to the body! Beholdus returned again to the earth, whence we came!
306.
If I have eaten during the days of Ramazan, do notbelieve I did it through inadvertence. The fatiguinghardships of the fast have so turned about my days andnights [the one for the other] that I have always believedin eating the morning repast.
If I have eaten during the days of Ramazan, do notbelieve I did it through inadvertence. The fatiguinghardships of the fast have so turned about my days andnights [the one for the other] that I have always believedin eating the morning repast.
307.
We have constantly heads overcome with wine; thepresence of wine alone animates our society. Thenleave off thy counsel, O ignorant penitent! [you seethat] we are the adorers of wine, and that the lips ofthe object of our love are turned to our desires.
We have constantly heads overcome with wine; thepresence of wine alone animates our society. Thenleave off thy counsel, O ignorant penitent! [you seethat] we are the adorers of wine, and that the lips ofthe object of our love are turned to our desires.
308.
This is the season of roses. Oh! I would now giverein to one of my desires. I would commit an act whichinfringes on the law of the Koran. Yea, for some days,in company of the fair with velvet and bright tinted cheeksspreading rose-colored wine over the green turf, I wouldtransform the plain into a field of tulips.
This is the season of roses. Oh! I would now giverein to one of my desires. I would commit an act whichinfringes on the law of the Koran. Yea, for some days,in company of the fair with velvet and bright tinted cheeksspreading rose-colored wine over the green turf, I wouldtransform the plain into a field of tulips.
309.
When in this world joy seizes us, when it gives to ourcomplexion the brilliant lustre of the courser of the firmament[the sun], then I love to be in a green prairiein the midst of beauties with velvet cheeks, and partakewith them of this sweet green hasheesh ere going againmyself under this earth covered with green sod.
When in this world joy seizes us, when it gives to ourcomplexion the brilliant lustre of the courser of the firmament[the sun], then I love to be in a green prairiein the midst of beauties with velvet cheeks, and partakewith them of this sweet green hasheesh ere going againmyself under this earth covered with green sod.
310.
Never have we tasted in happiness a drop of waterwithout the hand of grief appearing to present to us itsbitter beverage. Never have we dipped a piece of breadin salt without the salt returning to re-open half-healedwounds of the heart.
Never have we tasted in happiness a drop of waterwithout the hand of grief appearing to present to us itsbitter beverage. Never have we dipped a piece of breadin salt without the salt returning to re-open half-healedwounds of the heart.
311.
Take care, take good care of making noise in a tavern!Pass the time there, but avoid all agitation. Sell theturban, sell the book [the Koran] to buy wine. Finally,let us pass through themedresseh[school of the mosques],but let us not stop there.
Take care, take good care of making noise in a tavern!Pass the time there, but avoid all agitation. Sell theturban, sell the book [the Koran] to buy wine. Finally,let us pass through themedresseh[school of the mosques],but let us not stop there.
312.
Every day, at dawn, I go to the tavern. There I givemyself to the company ofkalendarhypocrites. O Thou,who art the master of secrets most concealed, give mefaith, if Thou wishest me to apply myself to prayer.
Every day, at dawn, I go to the tavern. There I givemyself to the company ofkalendarhypocrites. O Thou,who art the master of secrets most concealed, give mefaith, if Thou wishest me to apply myself to prayer.
313.
To the cares of this world, let us not accord as muchvalue, even, as to a grain of barley; oh! let us be happy!If we have something for breakfast, we may have nothingfor dinner; oh! let us be happy! Although nothingwell cooked comes to us from the kitchen, let us not addressour troublesome prayers to any one; oh! let us behappy!
To the cares of this world, let us not accord as muchvalue, even, as to a grain of barley; oh! let us be happy!If we have something for breakfast, we may have nothingfor dinner; oh! let us be happy! Although nothingwell cooked comes to us from the kitchen, let us not addressour troublesome prayers to any one; oh! let us behappy!
314.
Not a single day do I feel myself free from the troublesomebonds of this world; not for a single instant do Ibreathe contented with my being. I have long servedan apprenticeship to human vicissitudes, and I have notyet become master, either in that which concerns thisworld, or in what has to do with the other.
Not a single day do I feel myself free from the troublesomebonds of this world; not for a single instant do Ibreathe contented with my being. I have long servedan apprenticeship to human vicissitudes, and I have notyet become master, either in that which concerns thisworld, or in what has to do with the other.
315.
We, in one hand, take the Koran; with the other weseize the cup: sometimes you see us carried away withthat which is lawful, sometimes with what is prohibited.We, then, beneath this azure vault, are not completelyinfidel, or absolutely Musulman.
We, in one hand, take the Koran; with the other weseize the cup: sometimes you see us carried away withthat which is lawful, sometimes with what is prohibited.We, then, beneath this azure vault, are not completelyinfidel, or absolutely Musulman.
316.
Present a salutation on my account to Mostapha, andafterward say to him with all the deference due: OLord Hachemite! why, in accordance with the law of theKoran, is the sharpdoug[whey] lawful, yet pure wineprohibited?
Present a salutation on my account to Mostapha, andafterward say to him with all the deference due: OLord Hachemite! why, in accordance with the law of theKoran, is the sharpdoug[whey] lawful, yet pure wineprohibited?
317.
Present a salutation on my part to Khayyam, and thensay to him: O Khayyam! you are an ignorant man. Whenhave I said that wine was prohibited? It is lawful forintelligent men; it is prohibited only to the ignorant.
Present a salutation on my part to Khayyam, and thensay to him: O Khayyam! you are an ignorant man. Whenhave I said that wine was prohibited? It is lawful forintelligent men; it is prohibited only to the ignorant.
318.
O thou that lusteth night and day for the goods ofthis world, dost thou not reflect upon the terrible day?Take into consideration thy last breath, come back toself, and see how time deals with others.
O thou that lusteth night and day for the goods ofthis world, dost thou not reflect upon the terrible day?Take into consideration thy last breath, come back toself, and see how time deals with others.
319.
O thou who art the summing up of the universal creation,cease for an instant to occupy thyself with gain orloss; take a cup of wine from the hand of the eterncupbearer, and free thyself thus altogether from the caresof this world and from those of the other!
O thou who art the summing up of the universal creation,cease for an instant to occupy thyself with gain orloss; take a cup of wine from the hand of the eterncupbearer, and free thyself thus altogether from the caresof this world and from those of the other!
320.
If you know to what to cling upon this walk arounda circle without end, you must recognize two classesof men: those who understand perfectly its good and itsbad side, and those who have no notion either of themselvesor of things here below.
If you know to what to cling upon this walk arounda circle without end, you must recognize two classesof men: those who understand perfectly its good and itsbad side, and those who have no notion either of themselvesor of things here below.
321.
Render light to my heart the weight of the vicissitudesof this world. Conceal from mortals my reprehensible actions.Render me happy to-day, and to-morrow make mewhat thou deemest worthy of Thy pity.
Render light to my heart the weight of the vicissitudesof this world. Conceal from mortals my reprehensible actions.Render me happy to-day, and to-morrow make mewhat thou deemest worthy of Thy pity.
322.
For him who makes account of human ills, joy, sorrow,pain are all identical. The good and the bad ofthis world must one day end. What matters it whetherall be torment or pleasure for us?
For him who makes account of human ills, joy, sorrow,pain are all identical. The good and the bad ofthis world must one day end. What matters it whetherall be torment or pleasure for us?
323.
Now that the nightingale has made its voice heard,think no longer of anything, but seize the ruby cup ofwine from the hand of the drinkers; arise, come, for therose blossoms are breathing out joy; avenge thyself,avenge thyself for two or three days for the tormentsthou hast endured.
Now that the nightingale has made its voice heard,think no longer of anything, but seize the ruby cup ofwine from the hand of the drinkers; arise, come, for therose blossoms are breathing out joy; avenge thyself,avenge thyself for two or three days for the tormentsthou hast endured.
324.
Notice this cup made of clay; it is possessed of asoul! They say a jasmine produces the flowers of theJudas-tree. But what do I say? The shining purity ofwine is a cause of my error? Oh, no [it is not wine], it isdiaphanous water shot with a liquid fire.
Notice this cup made of clay; it is possessed of asoul! They say a jasmine produces the flowers of theJudas-tree. But what do I say? The shining purity ofwine is a cause of my error? Oh, no [it is not wine], it isdiaphanous water shot with a liquid fire.
325.
Arise, leave the cares of this world which are fleeting;be joyous, pass gaily this life of a moment, for if thefavors of heaven had been constant to others, this turnof joy would not have come to you.
Arise, leave the cares of this world which are fleeting;be joyous, pass gaily this life of a moment, for if thefavors of heaven had been constant to others, this turnof joy would not have come to you.
326.
Listen to me, O thou who hast not seen old friends[of experience]! Vex not thyself with this Wheel ofHeaven which has neither surface nor foundation: contentthyself with what thou hast and, as a peaceable spectator,observe here below the various games to which men aredestined.
Listen to me, O thou who hast not seen old friends[of experience]! Vex not thyself with this Wheel ofHeaven which has neither surface nor foundation: contentthyself with what thou hast and, as a peaceable spectator,observe here below the various games to which men aredestined.
327.
Employ all thy efforts to be agreeable to drinkers,and follow the good counsel of Khayyam. O friend!demolish the bases of prayer and of fasting, drink wine,steal if you will, but do good.
Employ all thy efforts to be agreeable to drinkers,and follow the good counsel of Khayyam. O friend!demolish the bases of prayer and of fasting, drink wine,steal if you will, but do good.
328.
Justice is the soul of the universe, the universe is thebody. The angels are the wit of the body, the heavensthe elements, the creatures in it are the members; beholdhere the eternal unity. The rest is only trumpery.
Justice is the soul of the universe, the universe is thebody. The angels are the wit of the body, the heavensthe elements, the creatures in it are the members; beholdhere the eternal unity. The rest is only trumpery.
329.
Yesterday evening, in the tavern, the object of myheart that ravishes my soul [God] presented me a cupwith a ravishing air of sincerity and a desire to pleaseme, inviting me to drink. No, said I to him, I willnot drink. Drink, he answered me, for the love of myheart.
Yesterday evening, in the tavern, the object of myheart that ravishes my soul [God] presented me a cupwith a ravishing air of sincerity and a desire to pleaseme, inviting me to drink. No, said I to him, I willnot drink. Drink, he answered me, for the love of myheart.
330.
Do you wish the universe to submit itself to your will?Occupy yourself without ceasing in fortifying your soul.Share my mood, which consists in drinking wine andnever taking to myself the cares of things here below.
Do you wish the universe to submit itself to your will?Occupy yourself without ceasing in fortifying your soul.Share my mood, which consists in drinking wine andnever taking to myself the cares of things here below.
331.
The sages who have well considered this world ofdust, this sojourn of inconstancy from one end to theother, see nothing in it agreeable but wine in rubycups and beautiful countenances.
The sages who have well considered this world ofdust, this sojourn of inconstancy from one end to theother, see nothing in it agreeable but wine in rubycups and beautiful countenances.
332.
Thanks to the iniquity of this Wheel of Heaven whichresembles a mirror, thanks to the periodic motion oftime which accords its favors only to the most abject,my cheeks, hollowed like a cup, are bathed in tears; but,like a flask, my heart is full of blood.
Thanks to the iniquity of this Wheel of Heaven whichresembles a mirror, thanks to the periodic motion oftime which accords its favors only to the most abject,my cheeks, hollowed like a cup, are bathed in tears; but,like a flask, my heart is full of blood.
333.
Yesterday [before day], in company with a charmingfriend and a cup of rose-colored wine, I was seated onthe border of a brook. Before me stood the cup, thatshell, of which the pearl [contained in the cup] shedsuch a brilliant light that the herald of the sun, awakingwith a start, announced the Dawn.
Yesterday [before day], in company with a charmingfriend and a cup of rose-colored wine, I was seated onthe border of a brook. Before me stood the cup, thatshell, of which the pearl [contained in the cup] shedsuch a brilliant light that the herald of the sun, awakingwith a start, announced the Dawn.
334.
Forget the day which has been cut off from thy existence;disturb not thyself about to-morrow, which has notyet come; rest not upon that which is or that whichis no more; live happily one instant and throw not thylife to the winds.
Forget the day which has been cut off from thy existence;disturb not thyself about to-morrow, which has notyet come; rest not upon that which is or that whichis no more; live happily one instant and throw not thylife to the winds.
335.
Art not ashamed to give thyself to corruption?—toneglect thus both what is commanded and what is forbidden?Even if you succeed in appropriating all thegoods of the earth to yourself, what can you do withthem except to abandon them in your turn?
Art not ashamed to give thyself to corruption?—toneglect thus both what is commanded and what is forbidden?Even if you succeed in appropriating all thegoods of the earth to yourself, what can you do withthem except to abandon them in your turn?
336.
I have seen a man betake himself to sterile soil. Hewas neither a heretic nor a Musulman; he had neitherriches nor religion, nor God, nor truth, nor law, nor certitude.Who in this world or in the other would haveso much courage?
I have seen a man betake himself to sterile soil. Hewas neither a heretic nor a Musulman; he had neitherriches nor religion, nor God, nor truth, nor law, nor certitude.Who in this world or in the other would haveso much courage?
337.
One host of men is pondering upon belief, or on thefaith; others are hovering between doubt and certainty.But suddenly behind the veil there's one will cry: Oignorant ones! the way that you seek is neither herenor there!
One host of men is pondering upon belief, or on thefaith; others are hovering between doubt and certainty.But suddenly behind the veil there's one will cry: Oignorant ones! the way that you seek is neither herenor there!
338.
There hangs in the heavens a bull called Parwin[Pleiades], and another bull is underneath the earth. Tothe eyes of intelligence or those who live in certainty,I show a herd of asses placed between two beeves.
There hangs in the heavens a bull called Parwin[Pleiades], and another bull is underneath the earth. Tothe eyes of intelligence or those who live in certainty,I show a herd of asses placed between two beeves.
339.
Some said to me: Drink less of wine. What reasonhave you for not giving it up? The reason that I giveis first the face of my friend [God] and secondly themorning cup. Be just and tell me, Is it possible to givea more luminous reason?
Some said to me: Drink less of wine. What reasonhave you for not giving it up? The reason that I giveis first the face of my friend [God] and secondly themorning cup. Be just and tell me, Is it possible to givea more luminous reason?
340.
If I possessed in the heavens the power which Godexercises there, I would destroy the people of this world,and others I would make in my own way, so that man,freed [from the bonds of superstition], could attain herebelow the desires of his heart.
If I possessed in the heavens the power which Godexercises there, I would destroy the people of this world,and others I would make in my own way, so that man,freed [from the bonds of superstition], could attain herebelow the desires of his heart.
341.
My poor heart, full of grief and folly, has not beenable to free itself from drunkenness where passion formy well-beloved has plunged it. Oh! the day when thewine of this love was distributed, my portion was, withoutdoubt, drawn from the blood of my heart!
My poor heart, full of grief and folly, has not beenable to free itself from drunkenness where passion formy well-beloved has plunged it. Oh! the day when thewine of this love was distributed, my portion was, withoutdoubt, drawn from the blood of my heart!
342.
To drink wine and seek beautiful faces is wiser thanto practise hypocrisy and apparent devotion. It is evidentthat if there exist a Hell for lovers and drinkers,no one would wish for Paradise.
To drink wine and seek beautiful faces is wiser thanto practise hypocrisy and apparent devotion. It is evidentthat if there exist a Hell for lovers and drinkers,no one would wish for Paradise.
343.
Scorn the words of coquettish women, but accept limpidwine from the hand of those whose mien is irreproachable.You know that all those who have made their appearancein this world are partly of one kind and partlyof the other, and it is not given to any to see a singleone that may come back.
Scorn the words of coquettish women, but accept limpidwine from the hand of those whose mien is irreproachable.You know that all those who have made their appearancein this world are partly of one kind and partlyof the other, and it is not given to any to see a singleone that may come back.
344.
It is not necessary to soften and disgrace a joyous heartby sorrow, to break under the stones of torment ourmoments of delight. As no one is able to tell what isto be, what is necessary is some wine, a beloved mistress[the Divinity], and repose according to our desires.
It is not necessary to soften and disgrace a joyous heartby sorrow, to break under the stones of torment ourmoments of delight. As no one is able to tell what isto be, what is necessary is some wine, a beloved mistress[the Divinity], and repose according to our desires.
345.
Yes, it is beautiful to enjoy good fame; it is shamefulto complain of the injustice of heaven; it is better tobecome drunk with the juice of the grape, than to bepuffed up with false devotion.
Yes, it is beautiful to enjoy good fame; it is shamefulto complain of the injustice of heaven; it is better tobecome drunk with the juice of the grape, than to bepuffed up with false devotion.
346.
O God! be pitiful to my poor imprisoned heart; showpity to my bosom, susceptible to so much sorrow; pardonmy feet which lead me to the tavern; pardon my handwhich seizes the cup!
O God! be pitiful to my poor imprisoned heart; showpity to my bosom, susceptible to so much sorrow; pardonmy feet which lead me to the tavern; pardon my handwhich seizes the cup!
347.
O God! deliver me from calculating, more or less, uponthe things of this world; make me preoccupied with Thee,and free me from myself. While I have my sound reasongood and bad are known to me; render me drunk andfree me from this knowledge of good and bad.
O God! deliver me from calculating, more or less, uponthe things of this world; make me preoccupied with Thee,and free me from myself. While I have my sound reasongood and bad are known to me; render me drunk andfree me from this knowledge of good and bad.
348.
This Wheel of Heaven runs after my death and thine,my friend· it conspires against my soul and thine.Come, seat thyself upon the turf, for, indeed, small timeremains to us before new turf shall germinate from mydust and from thine.
This Wheel of Heaven runs after my death and thine,my friend· it conspires against my soul and thine.Come, seat thyself upon the turf, for, indeed, small timeremains to us before new turf shall germinate from mydust and from thine.
349.
When we shall have lost my soul and thine, they willplace bricks upon thy tomb and mine. Then, in orderto cover other tombs with bricks, they will throw my dustand thine into the kiln of the brick-maker.
When we shall have lost my soul and thine, they willplace bricks upon thy tomb and mine. Then, in orderto cover other tombs with bricks, they will throw my dustand thine into the kiln of the brick-maker.
350.
In this castle which by its splendor rivals the heavens,this castle to which sovereigns succeeded with delight, wehave seen a turtledove seated on the ruined battlementscrying: Kou, kou, kou, kou [Where? Where?].
In this castle which by its splendor rivals the heavens,this castle to which sovereigns succeeded with delight, wehave seen a turtledove seated on the ruined battlementscrying: Kou, kou, kou, kou [Where? Where?].
351.
What advantage has our coming into this world produced?What advantage will result from our departure?What remains to us of the heap of hopes that we haveconceived. Where is the smoke of all the pure men whounder the celestial fire have been consumed and becomedust?
What advantage has our coming into this world produced?What advantage will result from our departure?What remains to us of the heap of hopes that we haveconceived. Where is the smoke of all the pure men whounder the celestial fire have been consumed and becomedust?
352.
O Thou whose lips secrete the water of life, permitnot those of the cup to come and kiss them! [Oh, ifThou shouldst permit it], may I lose the name of manif I am not soaked in the blood of the flask, for what isit, this cup, to dare to touch its lips to Thine?
O Thou whose lips secrete the water of life, permitnot those of the cup to come and kiss them! [Oh, ifThou shouldst permit it], may I lose the name of manif I am not soaked in the blood of the flask, for what isit, this cup, to dare to touch its lips to Thine?
353.
I am such as Thy power has made me. I have lived ahundred years filled with Thy benevolence and benefits.I would like still a hundred years to commit sin and tosee if the sum of my faults outweighed Thy pity.
I am such as Thy power has made me. I have lived ahundred years filled with Thy benevolence and benefits.I would like still a hundred years to commit sin and tosee if the sum of my faults outweighed Thy pity.
354.
Now take thy cup, carry away the gourd, O Charm ofmy Heart! and go, explore the plains, the borders ofthe brooks, for indeed idols, like to the moon in the lightof their beautiful countenances, have a hundred timesbeen transformed into cups, a hundred times have theybecome gourds.
Now take thy cup, carry away the gourd, O Charm ofmy Heart! and go, explore the plains, the borders ofthe brooks, for indeed idols, like to the moon in the lightof their beautiful countenances, have a hundred timesbeen transformed into cups, a hundred times have theybecome gourds.
355.