Page:The Sacred Books and Early Literature of the East, Volume 08.djvu/87



We shall not stay here long, but while we do,

'Tis folly wine and sweethearts to eschew;

Why ask if earth etern or transient be?

Since you must go, it matters not to you.

In reverent sort to mosque I wend my way,

But, by great Allah, it is not to pray;

No! but to steal a prayer-mat! When 'tis worn,

I go again, another to purvey.

No more let fate's annoys our peace consume,

But let us rather rosy wine consume;

The world our murderer is, and wine its blood,

Shall we not then that murderer's blood consume?

For Thee I vow to cast repute away,

And, if I shrink, the penalty to pay;

Though life might satisfy Thy cruelty,

'Twere naught, I'll bear it till the judgment-day!

In Being's rondure de we stray belated,

Our pride of manhood humbled and abated;

Would we were gone! long since have we been wearied

With this world's griefs, and with its pleasures sated.

The world is false, so I'll be false as well,

And with bright wine, and gladness ever dwell!

They say, "May Allah grant thee penitence!"

He grants it not, and, did he, I'd rebel!