The Rubiayat of Omar Khayyam


Fifth Edition



I.

 WAKE! For the Sun, who scatter'd into flight
 The Stars before him from the Field of Night,
   Drives Night along with them from Heav'n, and strikes
 The Sultan's Turret with a Shaft of Light.


II.

 Before the phantom of False morning died,
 Methought a Voice within the Tavern cried,
   "When all the Temple is prepared within,
 "Why nods the drowsy Worshiper outside?"


III.

 And, as the Cock crew, those who stood before
 The Tavern shouted--"Open then the Door!
   "You know how little while we have to stay,
 And, once departed, may return no more."


IV.

 Now the New Year reviving old Desires,
 The thoughtful Soul to Solitude retires,
   Where the WHITE HAND OF MOSES on the Bough
 Puts out, and Jesus from the Ground suspires.


V.

 Iram indeed is gone with all his Rose,
 And Jamshyd's Sev'n-ring'd Cup where no one knows;
   But still a Ruby kindles in the Vine,
 And many a Garden by the Water blows.