Page:Quatrains of Omar Khayyam (tr. Whinfield, 1883).djvu/158

102

The world will last long after Khayyam's fame Has passed away, yea, and his very name; Aforetime we were not, and none did heed. When we are dead and gone, 'twill be the same.

The sages who have compassed sea and land, Their secret to search out, and understand,— My mind misgives me if they ever solve The scheme on which this universe is planned.

Ah! wealth takes wings, and leaves our hands all bare, And death's rough hands delight our hearts to tear; And from the nether world let none escape, To bring us news of the poor pilgrims there.