Selections From "Salámán And Absál"

The guests have drunk the wine and are departed, Leaving their empty bowls behind--not one To carry on the revel, cup in hand! Up, Jámí, then! And whether lees or wine To offer--boldly offer it in thine! And yet, how long, Jámí, is this old house Stringing thy pearls upon a harp of song? Year after year striking up some new song, The breath of some old story? Life is gone, And yet the song is not the last; my soul Is spent--and still a story to be told! SALÁMÁN AND ABSÁL.