Versos English Omar Khayyam Clxvi

English poem

Clxvi

by (1048–1131)

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Knowest thou what fortune is? 'Tis Beauty's sight obtaining; 'Tis asking in her lane for alms, And royal pomp disdaining.

Sev'erance from the wish for life an easy task is ever; But lose we friends who sweeten life, the tie is hard to sever.

Bud-like with a serried heart I'll to the orchard wander; The garment of my good repute I'll tear to pieces yonder;

Now, as doth the West-wind, tell deep secrets to the Flower, Hear now of Love's mysterious sport from bulbuls of the bower.

Kiss thy Beloved one's lips at first while the occasion lingers: Await thou else disgust at last from biting lip and fingers.

Profit by companionship: this two-doored house forsaken, No pathway that can thither lead in future time is taken.

Háfiz from the thought, it seems, Of Sháh Mansur has fleeted; O Lord! remind him that the poor With favor should be treated.