Page:Gallienne Rubaiyat.djvu/54

 Sad pilgrim of the heart, the way is long;

Suppose we lighten it for you with a song,

Here in the tavern rest your wandering feet,

Strong is your love, but wine is just as strong!

We know the love that drives you to and fro,

Like hungry dogs that through the city go,

The hollow hunger of the breaking heart,

And the one cure for it, alike we know.

Saki, bring roses for this sad one's hair,

And set a bowl of rubies for him there;

And you, O moon, dance, dance, and dance and dance,

That the poor fellow may not think of her.

Life is too short, dear brother, to be sad;

If you must needs be anything—be glad;

Leave bitter books, and read the Book of Joy—

I know that some declare the book is bad.