Page:Quatrains of Omar Khayyam (tr. Whinfield, 1883).djvu/74

18

From doubt to clear assurance is a breath, A breath from infidelity to faith; Oh, precious breath I enjoy it while you may, 'Tis all that life can give, and then comes death.

Ah! wheel of heaven to tyranny inclined, 'Twas e'er your wont to show yourself unkind; And, cruel earth, if they should cleave your breast, What store of buried jewels they would find!

My life lasts but a day or two, and fast Sweeps by, like torrent stream or desert blast, Howbeit, of two days I take no heed,— The day to come, and that already past.