Page:The Sacred Books and Early Literature of the East, Volume 08.djvu/96



The people say, "Why not drink somewhat less?

What reasons have you for such great excess? "

First, my Love's face, second, my morning draught;

Can there be clearer reasons, now confess?

Had I the power great Allah to advise,

I'd bid him sweep away this earth and skies,

And build a better, where, unclogged and free,

The clear soul might achieve her high emprise.

This silly sorrow-laden heart of mine

Is ever pining for that love of mine;

When the Cupbearer poured the wine of love,

With my heart's blood he filled this cup of mine!

To drain the cup, to hover round the fair,

Can hypocritic arts with these compare?

If all who love and drink are going wrong,

There's many a wight of heaven may well despair!

'Tis wrong with gloomy thoughts your mirth to drown---

To let grief's millstone weigh your spirits down;

Since none can tell what is to be, 'tis best

With wine and love your heart's desires to crown.

'Tis well in reputation to abide,

'Tis shameful against heaven to rail and chide;

Still, head had better ache with over-drink,

Than be puffed up with Pharisaic pride!