 | Sonnets of the Wingless Hours |  |
78
WINE OF OMAR KHAYYÁM.
He rode the flame-winged dragon-steed of Thought
Through Space and Darkness, seeking Heav'n and Hell;
And searched the furthest stars where souls might dwell
To find God's justice; and in vain he sought.
Through Space and Darkness, seeking Heav'n and Hell;
And searched the furthest stars where souls might dwell
To find God's justice; and in vain he sought.
Then, looking on the dusk-eyed girl who brought
His dream-filled wine beside his garden well,
He said: ‘Her kiss; the wine-jug's drowsy spell;
Bulbul; the roses; death;—all else is naught:
His dream-filled wine beside his garden well,
He said: ‘Her kiss; the wine-jug's drowsy spell;
Bulbul; the roses; death;—all else is naught:
‘So drink till that.’—What, drink, because the abyss
Of Nothing waits? because there is for man
But one swift hour of consciousness and light?
Of Nothing waits? because there is for man
But one swift hour of consciousness and light?
No.—Just because we have no life but this,
Turn it to use; be noble while you can;
Search, help, create; then pass into the night.
Turn it to use; be noble while you can;
Search, help, create; then pass into the night.
| Sonnets of the Wingless Hours | |