Versos English Omar Khayyam Clxxiii

English poem

Clxxiii

by (1048–1131)

Listen in the reader

With my heart's blood I wrote to one most dear: "The earth seems doom-struck if thou are not near.

"My eyes a hundred signs of absence show: These tears are not their only signs of woe."

I gained no boon from her for labor spent: "Who tries the tried will in the end repent."

I asked how fared she; the physician spake: "Afar from her is health; but near her ache."

The East-wind from my Moon removed her veil: At morn shone forth the Sun from vapors pale.

I said: "They'll mock, if I go round thy lane." By God! no love escapes the mocker's bane.

Grant Háfiz' prayer: "One cup, by life so sweet!" He seeks a goblet With thy grace replete!