English poem
Clxvi
by Omar Khayyam (1048–1131)
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.