Page:Quatrains of Omar Khayyam (tr. Whinfield, 1883).djvu/234

178

I fiew here, as a bird from the wild, in aim Up to a higher nest my course to frame; But, finding here no guide who knows the way, Fly out by the same door where through I came.

He binds us in resistless Nature's chain, And yet bids us our natures to restrain; Between these counter rules we stand perplexed, "Hold the jar slant, but all the wine retain."

They go away, and none is seen returning, To teach that other world's recondite learning; 'Twill not be shown for dull mechanic prayers, For prayer is naught without true heartfelt yearning.