It is we who buy old wine and new wine, and it is wewho sell the world for two grains of barley. Know whereyou will go after death? Bring me some wine and gowhere you will.
It is we who buy old wine and new wine, and it is wewho sell the world for two grains of barley. Know whereyou will go after death? Bring me some wine and gowhere you will.
356.
Who is the man who here below has not committedsin; can you say? Had he not committed it, could hehave lived, can you tell? If, because I do evil, youpunish me for evil, what then is the difference betweenyou and me, can you say?
Who is the man who here below has not committedsin; can you say? Had he not committed it, could hehave lived, can you tell? If, because I do evil, youpunish me for evil, what then is the difference betweenyou and me, can you say?
357.
Oh! where is that one whose lips are of rubies, wherethat precious stone of Bedekhchan? Where is that winefull of perfume which gives repose to the soul? Theysay that the religion of Islam prohibits it; drink, friend,and have no fear, for where do you see Islam?
Oh! where is that one whose lips are of rubies, wherethat precious stone of Bedekhchan? Where is that winefull of perfume which gives repose to the soul? Theysay that the religion of Islam prohibits it; drink, friend,and have no fear, for where do you see Islam?
358.
Best is it to abstain from all that is not joyful; andbest it is to receive the cup from the hands of odalisquesshut up in the palaces of the princes; but best of all isdrunkenness, indifference to the Kalendars, forgetfulnessof self. A mouthful of wine, finally, is worth morethan all that exists in the space between Mah andMahi.
Best is it to abstain from all that is not joyful; andbest it is to receive the cup from the hands of odalisquesshut up in the palaces of the princes; but best of all isdrunkenness, indifference to the Kalendars, forgetfulnessof self. A mouthful of wine, finally, is worth morethan all that exists in the space between Mah andMahi.
359.
For thee, that which is best is to flee from the seekingof knowledge and devotion; to finger the tresses ofthy ravishing friend; to pour into the cup the bloodof the vine ere time has spilled thine own.
For thee, that which is best is to flee from the seekingof knowledge and devotion; to finger the tresses ofthy ravishing friend; to pour into the cup the bloodof the vine ere time has spilled thine own.
360.
O friend! be in repose amidst human vicissitudes; disturbnot thyself in vain because of the march of time.When the envelope of thy being shall be torn in tatters,what matters what thou hast done, what thou hast said,or how defiled thou mayest be?
O friend! be in repose amidst human vicissitudes; disturbnot thyself in vain because of the march of time.When the envelope of thy being shall be torn in tatters,what matters what thou hast done, what thou hast said,or how defiled thou mayest be?
361.
O thou who hast not done good, but who hast doneevil, and who hast afterward sought refuge in the Divinity,guard thyself from relying upon pardon; for he whohas done nothing resembles no more him who has sinnedthan he who has sinned resembles him who has donenothing!
O thou who hast not done good, but who hast doneevil, and who hast afterward sought refuge in the Divinity,guard thyself from relying upon pardon; for he whohas done nothing resembles no more him who has sinnedthan he who has sinned resembles him who has donenothing!
362.
Count upon life not longer than the sixtieth year.Place thy foot in no direction without being overcomewith wine. As long as thy skull hath not been made apitcher, go always on thy way, nor take the wine-gourdfrom thy shoulder or the wine-cup from thy hand.
Count upon life not longer than the sixtieth year.Place thy foot in no direction without being overcomewith wine. As long as thy skull hath not been made apitcher, go always on thy way, nor take the wine-gourdfrom thy shoulder or the wine-cup from thy hand.
363.
This firmament is a porringer overturned upon ourheads. Wise men, thereat, humble and unpresumptuousare. But see the friendship which obtains between thecup and the flask. Lip against lip are they, and twixtthem ever flows the blood.
This firmament is a porringer overturned upon ourheads. Wise men, thereat, humble and unpresumptuousare. But see the friendship which obtains between thecup and the flask. Lip against lip are they, and twixtthem ever flows the blood.
364.
I have swept the sill of the tavern with my hair. Yes,I have given up reflecting upon the good and the badin this world and the next. I saw them, like two bowls,rolling in a ditch, when I was sleeping overcome withwine, and I no more occupied myself with them than ifI had seen a grain of barley rolling along.
I have swept the sill of the tavern with my hair. Yes,I have given up reflecting upon the good and the badin this world and the next. I saw them, like two bowls,rolling in a ditch, when I was sleeping overcome withwine, and I no more occupied myself with them than ifI had seen a grain of barley rolling along.
365.
The drop of water began to weep on being separatedfrom the ocean. The ocean began to laugh, saying toit: It is we who are all; in truth, there is no other Godbeside us, and if we are separated, it is only by a simplepoint almost invisible.
The drop of water began to weep on being separatedfrom the ocean. The ocean began to laugh, saying toit: It is we who are all; in truth, there is no other Godbeside us, and if we are separated, it is only by a simplepoint almost invisible.
366.
How long shall I trouble myself with the care of knowingwhether I possess or do not possess—if I ought orought not to pass life gaily? Fill ever the cup of wine,O cupbearer! for I do not know whether I shall breatheout this breath that I am actually breathing or not.
How long shall I trouble myself with the care of knowingwhether I possess or do not possess—if I ought orought not to pass life gaily? Fill ever the cup of wine,O cupbearer! for I do not know whether I shall breatheout this breath that I am actually breathing or not.
367.
Become not a prey to sorrow in this world of iniquity;recall not to thy soul the memory of those who are nolonger here; give up thy heart only to a friend with sweetlips and fairy-like in form and never be deprived ofwine, or throw life to the winds.
Become not a prey to sorrow in this world of iniquity;recall not to thy soul the memory of those who are nolonger here; give up thy heart only to a friend with sweetlips and fairy-like in form and never be deprived ofwine, or throw life to the winds.
368.
How long will you speak to me of the mosque, ofprayer and fasting? Go rather to the tavern and intoxicateyourself, and even for that ask alms. O Khayyam!drink wine, drink; for this earth of which thouart composed will be made into cups, bowls, and pitchers.
How long will you speak to me of the mosque, ofprayer and fasting? Go rather to the tavern and intoxicateyourself, and even for that ask alms. O Khayyam!drink wine, drink; for this earth of which thouart composed will be made into cups, bowls, and pitchers.
369.
So in this palace of brief being, you ought, O wise man,to give yourself up to rose-colored wine. Then eachatom of your dust that the wind carries away will fallon the sill of the tavern, all saturate with wine.
So in this palace of brief being, you ought, O wise man,to give yourself up to rose-colored wine. Then eachatom of your dust that the wind carries away will fallon the sill of the tavern, all saturate with wine.
370.
Note how the zephyrs have made the roses bloom!Note how their fragrant beauty glads the nightingale!Go, then, repose in the shadow of these flowers, forvery speedily they depart from the earth and very oftenne'er return again.
Note how the zephyrs have made the roses bloom!Note how their fragrant beauty glads the nightingale!Go, then, repose in the shadow of these flowers, forvery speedily they depart from the earth and very oftenne'er return again.
371.
Behold us re-united in the midst of lovers; behold usfreed from the pain which time inflicts; having emptiedthe cup of His love, behold us all free, all tranquil, allo'ercome with wine.
Behold us re-united in the midst of lovers; behold usfreed from the pain which time inflicts; having emptiedthe cup of His love, behold us all free, all tranquil, allo'ercome with wine.
372.
Suppose that you have lived in this world in accordancewith your desires; ah, well! after that? Think toyourself that the end of your days has arrived; ah, well!after that? Admitting that you have lived for a hundredyears surrounded by all that your heart could desire,imagine in your turn, that you have another hundredyears to live; ah, well! after that?
Suppose that you have lived in this world in accordancewith your desires; ah, well! after that? Think toyourself that the end of your days has arrived; ah, well!after that? Admitting that you have lived for a hundredyears surrounded by all that your heart could desire,imagine in your turn, that you have another hundredyears to live; ah, well! after that?
373.
Do you know how the cypress and the lily have acquiredthe name for freedom which they enjoy among men?It is because one has ten tongues but remains mute, andthe other possesses a hundred hands and keeps them allempty.
Do you know how the cypress and the lily have acquiredthe name for freedom which they enjoy among men?It is because one has ten tongues but remains mute, andthe other possesses a hundred hands and keeps them allempty.
374.
O cupbearer! put into my hand some of that deliciouswine, some of that juice attractive as a charming idol,some of that nectar, in short, which like a chain whoselinks, turning and returning upon each other, hold foolsand sages alike in sweet captivity.
O cupbearer! put into my hand some of that deliciouswine, some of that juice attractive as a charming idol,some of that nectar, in short, which like a chain whoselinks, turning and returning upon each other, hold foolsand sages alike in sweet captivity.
375.
O regret! that life should be passed in pure loss! Howlawless all our eating and how defiled our bodies! Ihave the blame, O God! of not having done what Thouhast commanded. What will come to me for having donewhat Thou hast not commanded?
O regret! that life should be passed in pure loss! Howlawless all our eating and how defiled our bodies! Ihave the blame, O God! of not having done what Thouhast commanded. What will come to me for having donewhat Thou hast not commanded?
376.
Fret not thyself on account of the inconstancy ofthis world; seek wine and draw near to thy caressingmistress, for, thou seest that he whom his mother broughtforth to-day to-morrow disappears from the earth—to-morrowreturns to annihilation.
Fret not thyself on account of the inconstancy ofthis world; seek wine and draw near to thy caressingmistress, for, thou seest that he whom his mother broughtforth to-day to-morrow disappears from the earth—to-morrowreturns to annihilation.
377.
I can renounce all else, but wine never; for I have themeans of making amends for all else, but of wine, never.O God! could one like me become a Musulman and renounceold wine? Never.
I can renounce all else, but wine never; for I have themeans of making amends for all else, but of wine, never.O God! could one like me become a Musulman and renounceold wine? Never.
378.
We are all lovers, all drunkards, all adorers of wine.We are all united in the tavern, having banished farfrom us all that is good, all that is evil, all reflectionand revery. Oh! expect not intelligence or reason of us,for we are all overcome with wine.
We are all lovers, all drunkards, all adorers of wine.We are all united in the tavern, having banished farfrom us all that is good, all that is evil, all reflectionand revery. Oh! expect not intelligence or reason of us,for we are all overcome with wine.
379.
It is we who have confidence in the divine goodness,who have shaken off the ideas of obedience and sin; forwhere Thy benevolence exists, O God, he who has donenothing is equal to him who has done something.
It is we who have confidence in the divine goodness,who have shaken off the ideas of obedience and sin; forwhere Thy benevolence exists, O God, he who has donenothing is equal to him who has done something.
380.
Thou hast imprinted on our being, O God, such singularphantasma of inconsequence, and hast made to rise suchstrange phenomena. Myself cannot be better than I am,for Thou hast taken me as I am from out creation'scrucible.
Thou hast imprinted on our being, O God, such singularphantasma of inconsequence, and hast made to rise suchstrange phenomena. Myself cannot be better than I am,for Thou hast taken me as I am from out creation'scrucible.
381.
We have violated all the vows that we have made; wehave closed upon us the door of what is called good andwhat is called bad. Then blame me not if you see mecommitting senseless deeds, for we are drunk with thewine of love, and all are drunk as we.
We have violated all the vows that we have made; wehave closed upon us the door of what is called good andwhat is called bad. Then blame me not if you see mecommitting senseless deeds, for we are drunk with thewine of love, and all are drunk as we.
382.
A mouthful of old wine is of more worth than a newempire. The wise man will reject all that is not wine.A cup of this nectar is a hundred times preferable tothe kingdom of Feridoun. The lid which covers the wine-jaris more precious than the diadem of Kai-Khosrou.
A mouthful of old wine is of more worth than a newempire. The wise man will reject all that is not wine.A cup of this nectar is a hundred times preferable tothe kingdom of Feridoun. The lid which covers the wine-jaris more precious than the diadem of Kai-Khosrou.
383.
O my heart! thou canst not penetrate the enigmaticalsecrets of the heavens; thou canst never reach the culminatingpoint to which intrepid sages have attained.Be content, then, to organize a Paradise here below, inmaking daily use of cup and wine, for wilt thou ever reachthat future Paradise? Thou never wilt.
O my heart! thou canst not penetrate the enigmaticalsecrets of the heavens; thou canst never reach the culminatingpoint to which intrepid sages have attained.Be content, then, to organize a Paradise here below, inmaking daily use of cup and wine, for wilt thou ever reachthat future Paradise? Thou never wilt.
384.
Those who are gone before us, O cupbearer! are imbeddedin the dust of pride. Go, drink wine; go, listento the truth that I tell you: All those who have goneahead are but as the wind; know it well, O cupbearer!
Those who are gone before us, O cupbearer! are imbeddedin the dust of pride. Go, drink wine; go, listento the truth that I tell you: All those who have goneahead are but as the wind; know it well, O cupbearer!
385.
From afar has appeared a filthy shape. It is said thatits body was covered with a shirt made of the smokeof Hell. It was neither a man nor a woman. It hasbroken our flask and spilled upon the earth the ruby wineit contained, glorifying itself at having done a deed worthyof a man.
From afar has appeared a filthy shape. It is said thatits body was covered with a shirt made of the smokeof Hell. It was neither a man nor a woman. It hasbroken our flask and spilled upon the earth the ruby wineit contained, glorifying itself at having done a deed worthyof a man.
386.
O my heart! when thou art admitted to sit at the banquetof this idol [the Divinity], it is after thou hast goneout of thyself in order to re-enter thyself again. Whenthou hast tasted a mouthful of the wine of annihilation,thou art entirely separate from those that are and fromthose that are no more.
O my heart! when thou art admitted to sit at the banquetof this idol [the Divinity], it is after thou hast goneout of thyself in order to re-enter thyself again. Whenthou hast tasted a mouthful of the wine of annihilation,thou art entirely separate from those that are and fromthose that are no more.
387.
Yes, I have found myself in close acquaintance withwine, with drunkenness. But why does the world blameme for it? Oh! would to God that all which is illegalmight produce drunkenness! For then never here belowshould I have seen a shadow of sound reason.
Yes, I have found myself in close acquaintance withwine, with drunkenness. But why does the world blameme for it? Oh! would to God that all which is illegalmight produce drunkenness! For then never here belowshould I have seen a shadow of sound reason.
388.
Thou hast broken my pitcher of wine, my God! Thouhast shut upon me the portals of joy, my God! Thouhast poured upon earth my limpid wine, my God! Oh![would that my mouth were filled with earth!] couldstThou have been drunk, my God?
Thou hast broken my pitcher of wine, my God! Thouhast shut upon me the portals of joy, my God! Thouhast poured upon earth my limpid wine, my God! Oh![would that my mouth were filled with earth!] couldstThou have been drunk, my God?
389.
O thou who art the result of the four [elements] andthe seven [heavens], I see you in perplexity amongstthese four and seven. Drink wine, for, as I have saidto you more than four times, you will return no more;once departed, you are gone indeed.
O thou who art the result of the four [elements] andthe seven [heavens], I see you in perplexity amongstthese four and seven. Drink wine, for, as I have saidto you more than four times, you will return no more;once departed, you are gone indeed.
390.
On one hand, Thou hast raised a hundred ambushesabout us; on the other, Thou sayest to us: If ye putfoot there, ye shall be caught by death. It is Thou whospreadest snares, and whoever falls there, Thou bringestto a stand! Thou givest him to death and callest himrebel!
On one hand, Thou hast raised a hundred ambushesabout us; on the other, Thou sayest to us: If ye putfoot there, ye shall be caught by death. It is Thou whospreadest snares, and whoever falls there, Thou bringestto a stand! Thou givest him to death and callest himrebel!
391.
O Thou whose mysterious essence is impenetrable tointelligence, Thou who carest no more for our obediencethan our faults, I am drunk with sin, but the confidencethat I have in Thee renders it right for me. KnowThou, that I count upon Thy pity.
O Thou whose mysterious essence is impenetrable tointelligence, Thou who carest no more for our obediencethan our faults, I am drunk with sin, but the confidencethat I have in Thee renders it right for me. KnowThou, that I count upon Thy pity.
392.
If this world's things were only based on show, oh!then each day would be a feast. Oh! were it not forthese vain threats, each could attain below the aim of hisdesires, without a fear.
If this world's things were only based on show, oh!then each day would be a feast. Oh! were it not forthese vain threats, each could attain below the aim of hisdesires, without a fear.
393.
O Wheel of Heaven! thou fillest constantly my heartwith woe. Thou killest in me the germ of joy, withwater ladening the air which, would breathe, and changestinto mud the water that I drink.
O Wheel of Heaven! thou fillest constantly my heartwith woe. Thou killest in me the germ of joy, withwater ladening the air which, would breathe, and changestinto mud the water that I drink.
394.
O my heart! if thou free thyself from the grief inherentin matter, thou shalt become a soul in all its purity; thoushalt mount to the heavens, thy residence shall be thefirmament. Oh! how thou shouldst suffer from shameat inhabiting the earth!
O my heart! if thou free thyself from the grief inherentin matter, thou shalt become a soul in all its purity; thoushalt mount to the heavens, thy residence shall be thefirmament. Oh! how thou shouldst suffer from shameat inhabiting the earth!
395.
O potter! be attentive, if thou possessest sound reason!How long wilt thou abase man in moulding his clay? Itis the finger of Feridoun, the hand of Kai-Khosrou whichyou thus put upon your wheel.
O potter! be attentive, if thou possessest sound reason!How long wilt thou abase man in moulding his clay? Itis the finger of Feridoun, the hand of Kai-Khosrou whichyou thus put upon your wheel.
396.
O rose! thou art the face of some young ravishingfair! O wine! thou art the ruby whose brightness joysmy soul! O fateful fortune! each instant thou appearestmore strange to me, and nevertheless I seem to knowthee.
O rose! thou art the face of some young ravishingfair! O wine! thou art the ruby whose brightness joysmy soul! O fateful fortune! each instant thou appearestmore strange to me, and nevertheless I seem to knowthee.
397.
From the cookery of this world, thou only absorbestthe smoke. How long, plunged in the search for beingand annihilation, wilt thou be the prey of sorrow? Thisworld contains only loss for those who attach themselvesto it. Now disregard this loss, and all for thee willbenefit become.
From the cookery of this world, thou only absorbestthe smoke. How long, plunged in the search for beingand annihilation, wilt thou be the prey of sorrow? Thisworld contains only loss for those who attach themselvesto it. Now disregard this loss, and all for thee willbenefit become.
398.
As for us, let us not try to torment men in theirsleep; let us refrain from making them utter at midnightthe lamentable cryO my God! O my God![as othersdo]. Rest not upon riches or beauty, for the one willtake wings in the night, and the other, in the night also,will be ravished.
As for us, let us not try to torment men in theirsleep; let us refrain from making them utter at midnightthe lamentable cryO my God! O my God![as othersdo]. Rest not upon riches or beauty, for the one willtake wings in the night, and the other, in the night also,will be ravished.
399.
If from the commencement Thou hadst wished to makeme known tomyself, why later, hast Thou separated mefrom thismyself? If from the first day Thy intentionwas to abandon me, why hast Thou thrown me, allamazed, into the midst of the world?
If from the commencement Thou hadst wished to makeme known tomyself, why later, hast Thou separated mefrom thismyself? If from the first day Thy intentionwas to abandon me, why hast Thou thrown me, allamazed, into the midst of the world?
400.
Oh! would to God that there existed some place of repose—thatthe road we follow had some settled end!Would God that, after a hundred thousand years, wecould conceive the hope of one new birth of heart uponthe earth as the green turf is born again!
Oh! would to God that there existed some place of repose—thatthe road we follow had some settled end!Would God that, after a hundred thousand years, wecould conceive the hope of one new birth of heart uponthe earth as the green turf is born again!
401.
While I was drawing a horoscope in the book of love,suddenly, from the burning heart of a wise man camethese words. Happy is he who entertains in his dwellinga friend as beautiful as the moon, and who has in prospecta night as long as a year!
While I was drawing a horoscope in the book of love,suddenly, from the burning heart of a wise man camethese words. Happy is he who entertains in his dwellinga friend as beautiful as the moon, and who has in prospecta night as long as a year!
402.
The constant sequence of springtime and autumn makesthe leaves of our existence disappear. Drink wine, myfriend, for sages have well said that grief in this worldis a poison and its antidote is wine.
The constant sequence of springtime and autumn makesthe leaves of our existence disappear. Drink wine, myfriend, for sages have well said that grief in this worldis a poison and its antidote is wine.
403.
O my heart! drink of wine, drink of it in a gardenand enjoy the presence of thy friend [the Divinity]; renouncehypocrisy and show. Is it the doctrine of Ahmedyou follow? In that case, draw from the fountain-heada cup of wine into the bowl which Ali, in his round ofcupbearing, shall serve.
O my heart! drink of wine, drink of it in a gardenand enjoy the presence of thy friend [the Divinity]; renouncehypocrisy and show. Is it the doctrine of Ahmedyou follow? In that case, draw from the fountain-heada cup of wine into the bowl which Ali, in his round ofcupbearing, shall serve.
404.
But yesterday, at eve, I broke a china cup against astone. I was drunk when committing this senseless act.This cup seemed to say to me: «I have been like thee;thou wilt, in thy turn, be like me.»
But yesterday, at eve, I broke a china cup against astone. I was drunk when committing this senseless act.This cup seemed to say to me: «I have been like thee;thou wilt, in thy turn, be like me.»
405.
The flowers are in blossom, O cupbearer! bring wine.Leave thy acts of worship, O cupbearer! Ere the angelof death put a watch upon us, come, and with a cup ofruby wine in hand, let us rejoice while yet there aresome days with the sweet presence of the friend [theDivinity].
The flowers are in blossom, O cupbearer! bring wine.Leave thy acts of worship, O cupbearer! Ere the angelof death put a watch upon us, come, and with a cup ofruby wine in hand, let us rejoice while yet there aresome days with the sweet presence of the friend [theDivinity].
406.
Arise, get off thy bed, O cupbearer! and pour thelimpid wine. Before they yet make pitchers of ourskulls, pour out some wine from pitcher into bowl, Ocupbearer!
Arise, get off thy bed, O cupbearer! and pour thelimpid wine. Before they yet make pitchers of ourskulls, pour out some wine from pitcher into bowl, Ocupbearer!
407.
This hypocrisy [which I everywhere see], O cupbearer!crushes my heart with weariness. Arise, and gaily bringme wine, O cupbearer! and to procure it, put in pawnthe prayer-rug and the turban. Perhaps my argumentswill then rest upon a solid basis.
This hypocrisy [which I everywhere see], O cupbearer!crushes my heart with weariness. Arise, and gaily bringme wine, O cupbearer! and to procure it, put in pawnthe prayer-rug and the turban. Perhaps my argumentswill then rest upon a solid basis.
408.
Examine thyself, if thou art intelligent, and observewhat thou hast brought in the beginning and what thouwilt carry away at the end. Thou sayest that thou dostnot drink because one must die. Whether thou drinkestfriend, or dost not drink, thou needs must die.
Examine thyself, if thou art intelligent, and observewhat thou hast brought in the beginning and what thouwilt carry away at the end. Thou sayest that thou dostnot drink because one must die. Whether thou drinkestfriend, or dost not drink, thou needs must die.
409.
Open the door, for it is only Thou who canst open it;show me the way, for it is only Thou who canst show away of safety. I will give my hand to none of those whowish to lead me, for all are perishable, and only Thoueternal.
Open the door, for it is only Thou who canst open it;show me the way, for it is only Thou who canst show away of safety. I will give my hand to none of those whowish to lead me, for all are perishable, and only Thoueternal.
410.
All that you tell me emanates from hatred [O mullah]!You never cease to treat me as an atheist, a manwithout religion. I am convinced of that which I am,and I avow it; and should I be right, is it for you tolecture me thus?
All that you tell me emanates from hatred [O mullah]!You never cease to treat me as an atheist, a manwithout religion. I am convinced of that which I am,and I avow it; and should I be right, is it for you tolecture me thus?
411.
Resign yourself to grief if you would find a remedy,and do not complain of your suffering if you would cureit. In poverty, be thankful to Providence, if you wishsome day to have riches for your portion.
Resign yourself to grief if you would find a remedy,and do not complain of your suffering if you would cureit. In poverty, be thankful to Providence, if you wishsome day to have riches for your portion.
412.
I have seen a wise man in the house of a drunken manat evening. I asked him if he could give me some newsof the absent. He answered me: Drink wine, friend, formany like you have gone out but have never returned.
I have seen a wise man in the house of a drunken manat evening. I asked him if he could give me some newsof the absent. He answered me: Drink wine, friend, formany like you have gone out but have never returned.
413.
I seek a flask of ruby wine, a book of verse, a momentarypeace in life and bread enough. And if withthese, my friend, in some lone spot with thee I couldrepose, 'twould be a happiness above a Sultan's regal joy.
I seek a flask of ruby wine, a book of verse, a momentarypeace in life and bread enough. And if withthese, my friend, in some lone spot with thee I couldrepose, 'twould be a happiness above a Sultan's regal joy.
414.
How long these arguments upon the five and the four,O cupbearer? In comprehending one, O cupbearer! it isdifficult to grasp a hundred thousand. We are all of earth,O cupbearer! strike the harp: we are all as the wind,bring the wine, O cupbearer!
How long these arguments upon the five and the four,O cupbearer? In comprehending one, O cupbearer! it isdifficult to grasp a hundred thousand. We are all of earth,O cupbearer! strike the harp: we are all as the wind,bring the wine, O cupbearer!
415.
How long will you speak of Yassin and Berat, O cupbearer?Give me a treatise upon the tavern, O cupbearer!The day that it is closed will be for me the night ofBerat, O cupbearer!
How long will you speak of Yassin and Berat, O cupbearer?Give me a treatise upon the tavern, O cupbearer!The day that it is closed will be for me the night ofBerat, O cupbearer!
416.
While you have in your body bones, veins, and nerves,place not your foot outside the limits of your destiny.Yield never to your enemy, be that enemy Rustum,son of Zal; accept nothing which puts you under obligationto a friend, be that friend Hatim-tai.
While you have in your body bones, veins, and nerves,place not your foot outside the limits of your destiny.Yield never to your enemy, be that enemy Rustum,son of Zal; accept nothing which puts you under obligationto a friend, be that friend Hatim-tai.
417.
You may indeed be taken with lips tinted with thecolor of the ruby, you may indeed appreciate the cup ofwine, you may indeed call for the noise of the drum, thesound of the harp and of the flute, but these are onlytrifles. God is my witness, while you do not break thebonds of this dark world, you nothing are.
You may indeed be taken with lips tinted with thecolor of the ruby, you may indeed appreciate the cup ofwine, you may indeed call for the noise of the drum, thesound of the harp and of the flute, but these are onlytrifles. God is my witness, while you do not break thebonds of this dark world, you nothing are.
418.
Bestir yourself, since you are under this tyrannic vault;drink wine, since you are in this world, a seat of woe.And, from beginning to the end, being only earth, actlike a man who is upon the earth, and not as if thouwert beneath the earth.
Bestir yourself, since you are under this tyrannic vault;drink wine, since you are in this world, a seat of woe.And, from beginning to the end, being only earth, actlike a man who is upon the earth, and not as if thouwert beneath the earth.
419.
Since you all secrets know, my friend, why be a preyto so many vain torments? Suppose things do not fallin touch with your desires, you can at least be gay whileyou still breathe.
Since you all secrets know, my friend, why be a preyto so many vain torments? Suppose things do not fallin touch with your desires, you can at least be gay whileyou still breathe.
420.
Everywhere I cast my eyes I believe I see the sod ofParadise and the brook of Koocer. They say the fieldoutside of Hell is transformed into a celestial sojourn.Rest then in that celestial place near some celestial fair.
Everywhere I cast my eyes I believe I see the sod ofParadise and the brook of Koocer. They say the fieldoutside of Hell is transformed into a celestial sojourn.Rest then in that celestial place near some celestial fair.
421.
Follow no other way than that which the Kalendarfollows; seek no other place than the tavern; occupyyourself only with wine, song and the friend [the Divinity];place in your hand a cup of wine, upon your backa gourd; drink, O dear object of my heart! drink andspeak not of foolish things.
Follow no other way than that which the Kalendarfollows; seek no other place than the tavern; occupyyourself only with wine, song and the friend [the Divinity];place in your hand a cup of wine, upon your backa gourd; drink, O dear object of my heart! drink andspeak not of foolish things.
422.
Do you wish life to rest upon a rock? Do you wishlife for some time free to be from grief? Dwell for oneinstant without drinking wine, then at each breath you'llfind a new attraction in existence.
Do you wish life to rest upon a rock? Do you wishlife for some time free to be from grief? Dwell for oneinstant without drinking wine, then at each breath you'llfind a new attraction in existence.
423.
In this world, this house of pilferers, it is useless tocount upon a friend. Listen to the counsel I give you,and confide it to no one. Bear your suffering and seekno remedy here, be happy in your sorrows and try not todivide them with another.
In this world, this house of pilferers, it is useless tocount upon a friend. Listen to the counsel I give you,and confide it to no one. Bear your suffering and seekno remedy here, be happy in your sorrows and try not todivide them with another.
424.
There are two things which are the foundation of wisdomand which ought to be put among the number of themost important unproclaimed revelations. Not to eat ofanything which eats of other things, and to keep oneselfunsullied by all that lives.
There are two things which are the foundation of wisdomand which ought to be put among the number of themost important unproclaimed revelations. Not to eat ofanything which eats of other things, and to keep oneselfunsullied by all that lives.
425.
How is it that at the commencement of springtime theverjuice of the vine is sharp? And afterwards, howdoes it become so sweet? And then how do we findthe wine so bitter? If one makes viols of a piece ofwood by means of a curvèd knife, who would say onseeing it that a flute could be fashioned by the samemeans?
How is it that at the commencement of springtime theverjuice of the vine is sharp? And afterwards, howdoes it become so sweet? And then how do we findthe wine so bitter? If one makes viols of a piece ofwood by means of a curvèd knife, who would say onseeing it that a flute could be fashioned by the samemeans?
426.
Know you why, at the break of day, the early-risingcock makes its voice heard each moment? It is to tellyou, through the mirror of the morning, that one morenight has slipped away from your existence, and thatyou are still in ignorance.
Know you why, at the break of day, the early-risingcock makes its voice heard each moment? It is to tellyou, through the mirror of the morning, that one morenight has slipped away from your existence, and thatyou are still in ignorance.
427.
Give me some of this ruby wine, tinted like the tulip.Pour from the neck of the flask the pure blood it contains,for, to-day I can see, outside this cup of wine, nofriend whose inner man is pure.
Give me some of this ruby wine, tinted like the tulip.Pour from the neck of the flask the pure blood it contains,for, to-day I can see, outside this cup of wine, nofriend whose inner man is pure.
428.
Pour me, O cupbearer! some wine colored like theflowers of the Judas-tree, pour, O cupbearer! for griefcomes to oppress my soul; pour for me the nectar, forit is possible that in making me a stranger to myself, itwill free me one instant from the vicissitudes of thisworld.
Pour me, O cupbearer! some wine colored like theflowers of the Judas-tree, pour, O cupbearer! for griefcomes to oppress my soul; pour for me the nectar, forit is possible that in making me a stranger to myself, itwill free me one instant from the vicissitudes of thisworld.
429.
Thy cup, O my cupbearer! contains liquid rubies; givesome to my soul, O cupbearer! Let it reflect that preciousstone; put in my hand, O cupbearer, this incomparablecup, for through this I will give new life unto my soul.
Thy cup, O my cupbearer! contains liquid rubies; givesome to my soul, O cupbearer! Let it reflect that preciousstone; put in my hand, O cupbearer, this incomparablecup, for through this I will give new life unto my soul.
430.
In philosophy, if you are an Aristotle or a Bouzourdj-mehr;in power, if you are some Roman emperor or somepotentate of China, drink ever, drink wine from the cupof Djem, for the end of all is the tomb. Oh! though youare Bahram himself, the coffin is your last sojourn.
In philosophy, if you are an Aristotle or a Bouzourdj-mehr;in power, if you are some Roman emperor or somepotentate of China, drink ever, drink wine from the cupof Djem, for the end of all is the tomb. Oh! though youare Bahram himself, the coffin is your last sojourn.
431.
I entered the studio of a potter. I watched him workat his wheel, actively occupied in moulding the necksand handles of pitchers, forming some of them like theheads of kings, others like the feet of beggars.
I entered the studio of a potter. I watched him workat his wheel, actively occupied in moulding the necksand handles of pitchers, forming some of them like theheads of kings, others like the feet of beggars.
432.
Go, choose bliss, if you are wise, and finally you maybe able to drink wine from the hand of the drinkers ofeternity, but you are one of the ignorant and joy is notin you, it is not given to every ignorant one to tastethe sweets that ignorance gives.
Go, choose bliss, if you are wise, and finally you maybe able to drink wine from the hand of the drinkers ofeternity, but you are one of the ignorant and joy is notin you, it is not given to every ignorant one to tastethe sweets that ignorance gives.
433.
O idol, while you are on your journey through thisworld, draw from the fountain-head into the pitcher, drawthis salutary wine and, ere the potter makes anotherpitcher of my dust and thine, fill out a cup, drink itand pass me one.
O idol, while you are on your journey through thisworld, draw from the fountain-head into the pitcher, drawthis salutary wine and, ere the potter makes anotherpitcher of my dust and thine, fill out a cup, drink itand pass me one.
434.
Be attentive, friend, and while thou still art able, lightenthe grief of a loving heart, for this kingdom of gracethat now thou hast will not last always, but, like so manyothers thou shalt unexpectedly be called.
Be attentive, friend, and while thou still art able, lightenthe grief of a loving heart, for this kingdom of gracethat now thou hast will not last always, but, like so manyothers thou shalt unexpectedly be called.
435.
Before you are made drunk by the cup of death, beforethe revolutions of time are full behind you, endeavorto make a foundation here below, for you will profitnothing by going away empty-handed.
Before you are made drunk by the cup of death, beforethe revolutions of time are full behind you, endeavorto make a foundation here below, for you will profitnothing by going away empty-handed.
436.
It is Thou who disposest of the lot of the living andof the dead. It is Thou who governest this unruly Wheelof the Heavens. Although I am bad, I am only Thyslave, Thou art my master. Who then is guilty herebelow? Art Thou not the Creator of all?
It is Thou who disposest of the lot of the living andof the dead. It is Thou who governest this unruly Wheelof the Heavens. Although I am bad, I am only Thyslave, Thou art my master. Who then is guilty herebelow? Art Thou not the Creator of all?
437.
O my King! how can such a man as I, finding himselfin the season of roses, in the midst of joyous society,surrounded by wine, by dancers, remain a passive spectator?Oh! to find oneself in a garden with a flask ofwine and a lute are things preferable to Paradise withits houris and its Koocer.
O my King! how can such a man as I, finding himselfin the season of roses, in the midst of joyous society,surrounded by wine, by dancers, remain a passive spectator?Oh! to find oneself in a garden with a flask ofwine and a lute are things preferable to Paradise withits houris and its Koocer.
438.
See the clearness of the light, the sparkle of the wineand of the moon, O cupbearer! See the ravishingbeauty of the rose's face, like a shining ruby, O cupbearer!Recall nothing of what belongs to the earthto this heart that burns like fire, throw it not to thewind, but bring wine, O cupbearer!
See the clearness of the light, the sparkle of the wineand of the moon, O cupbearer! See the ravishingbeauty of the rose's face, like a shining ruby, O cupbearer!Recall nothing of what belongs to the earthto this heart that burns like fire, throw it not to thewind, but bring wine, O cupbearer!
439.
O limpid wine, wine full of sheen! Fool that I am, I'ddrink thee in such quantity, that all perceiving me fromfar would my identity confound with thine, and say tome: O master wine! tell me, whence do you come?
O limpid wine, wine full of sheen! Fool that I am, I'ddrink thee in such quantity, that all perceiving me fromfar would my identity confound with thine, and say tome: O master wine! tell me, whence do you come?
440.
Be welcome, Thou, who art the repose of my soul!Thou art here, and nevertheless I cannot believe myeyes. Oh! for the love of God, and not for the loveof my heart, drink, drink of wine, drink to the pointwhen I can doubt that it is Thou.
Be welcome, Thou, who art the repose of my soul!Thou art here, and nevertheless I cannot believe myeyes. Oh! for the love of God, and not for the loveof my heart, drink, drink of wine, drink to the pointwhen I can doubt that it is Thou.
441.
A Sheikh said to a prostitute: You are in wine.Each instant you are taken in the toils of law. Sheanswered him: O Sheikh, I am all that you say; butare you what you seem to be?
A Sheikh said to a prostitute: You are in wine.Each instant you are taken in the toils of law. Sheanswered him: O Sheikh, I am all that you say; butare you what you seem to be?
442.
[I have already said] the entire world, like a bowl,was rolling in a hollow which, when I slept dead drunk,I noticed no more than if I saw a grain of barley rollingalong. Yesterday, at evening, I put myself in pawn atthe tavern for a cup of wine. The wine merchant neverceased to say: O excellent security that here I hold.
[I have already said] the entire world, like a bowl,was rolling in a hollow which, when I slept dead drunk,I noticed no more than if I saw a grain of barley rollingalong. Yesterday, at evening, I put myself in pawn atthe tavern for a cup of wine. The wine merchant neverceased to say: O excellent security that here I hold.
443.