Page:The Sacred Books and Early Literature of the East, Volume 08.djvu/100



O Thou who givest sight to emmet's eyes,

And strength to puny limbs of feeble flies,

To Thee we will ascribe Almighty power,

And not base, unbecoming qualities.

Let not base avarice enslave thy mind,

Nor vain ambition in its trammels bind;

Be sharp as fire, as running water swift,

Not, like earth's dust, the sport of every wind!

'Tis best all other blessings to forego

For wine, that charming Turki maids bestow;

Kalendars' raptures pass all things that are,

From moon on high down into fish below!

Friend! trouble not yourself about your lot,

Let futile care and sorrow be forgot;

Since this life's vesture crumbles into dust,

What matters stain of word or deed, or blot?

O thou who hast done ill, and ill alone,

And thinkest to find mercy at the throne,

Hope not for mercy! for good left undone

Can not be done, nor evil done undone!

Count not to live beyond your sixtieth year,

To walk in jovial courses persevere;

And ere your skull be turned into a cup,

Let wine-cups ever to your hand adhere!