Page:The Sacred Books and Early Literature of the East, Volume 08.djvu/55



From learning to the cup your bridle turn;

All lore of world to come, save Kausar, spurn;

Your turban pawn for wine, or keep a shred

To bind your brow, and all the remnant burn.

See! from the world what profit have I gained?

What fruitage of my life in hand retained?

What use is Jamshid's goblet, once 'tis crushed?

What pleasure's torch, when once its light has waned?

When life is spent, what's Balkh or Nishapore?

What sweet or bitter, when the cup runs o'er?

Come drink! full many a moon will wax and wane

In times to come, when we are here no more.

O fair! whose cheeks checkmate red eglantine,

And draw the game with those fair maids of Chin;

You played one glance against the king of Babil

And took his pawns, and knights, and rooks, and queen.

Life's caravan is hastening on its way;

Brood not on troubles of the coming day,

But fill the wine-cup ere sweet night be gone,

And snatch a pleasant moment, while you may.

He, who the world's foundations erst did lay,

Doth bruise full many a bosom day by day,

And many a ruby lip and musky tress

Doth coffin in the earth, and shroud with clay.