144. (264.) I flew here, as a wandering bird in aim Up to a higher nest my course to frame; But, finding here no guide who knows the way, Fly out by the same door where through I came. 145. (265.) He binds us in resistless Nature's chain, And yet bids us our natures to restrain; Between these counter rules we stand perplexed, "Hold the jar slant, but all the wine retain." 146. (266.) They go away, and none is seen returning, To teach that other world's recondite learning; "Twill not be shown for dull mechanic prayers, For prayer is naught without true heartfelt yearning. 147. (267.) Go to! Cast dust on those deaf skies, who spurn Thy orisons and bootless prayers, and learn To quaff the cup, and hover round the fair; Of all who go, did ever one return? 148. (268.) Though Khayyam strings no pearls of righteous deeds, 149. (270.) We are but chessmen, destined, it is plain, 150. (274.) I put my lips to the cup, for I did yearn Sin. 151. (277.) AT Tús a bird perched in the ruined street And thus he made his moan, " Alas, poor king! 152. (279.) What launched that golden orb his course to run, Shin. 153. (280.) I PRAY thee to my counsel lend thine ear, 154. (282.) Khayyam! rejoice that wine you still can pour, And still the charms of tulip cheeks adore; You'll soon not be, rejoice then that you are, Think how 'twould be in case you were no more! 155. (283.) Once, in a potter's shop, a company Of cups in converse did I chance to see, 66 And lo! one lifted up his voice, and cried, 'Who made, who sells, who buys this pottery?" 156. (287.) Although the creeds number some seventy-three, I hold with none but that of loving Thee; What matter faith, unfaith, obedience, sin? Thou'rt all we need, the rest is vanity. 157. (288.) Tell one by one my scanty virtues o'er; 158. (290.) There is a chalice made with art profound, With tokens of the Maker's favour crowned; Yet the great Potter takes his masterpiece, And dashes it to pieces on the ground! |