Page:Quatrains of Omar Khayyam (tr. Whinfield, 1883).djvu/138

82

Ten Powers, and nine spheres, eight heavens made He, And planets seven, of six sides, as we see, Five senses, and four elements, three souls, Two worlds, but only one, O man, like thee.

Jewry hath seen a thousand prophets die, Sinai a thousand Musas mount the sky; How many Caesars Rome's proud forum crossed! 'Neath Kasra's dome how many monarchs lie!

Gold breeds not wit, but to wit lacking bread Earth's flowery carpet seems a dungeon bed; 'Tis his full purse that makes the rose to smile, While empty-handed violets hang the head.