the rubaiyat of omar khayyam
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8/2/2019 THE RUBAIYAT OF OMAR KHAYYAM
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RUBAIYATOFOMARKHAYYAM
ByOmarKhayyam
RenderedintoEnglishVersebyEdwardFitzgerald
Contents:
Introduction.FirstEdition.FifthEdition.Notes.
Introduction
OmarKhayyam,TheAstronomer-PoetofPersia.
OmarKhayyamwasbornatNaishapurinKhorassaninthelatterhalfofourEleventh,anddiedwithintheFirstQuarterofourTwelfthCentury.TheSlenderStoryofhisLifeiscuriouslytwinedaboutthatoftwootherveryconsiderableFiguresintheirTimeandCountry:oneofwhomtellstheStoryofallThree.ThiswasNizamulMulk,ViziertoAlpArslantheSon,andMalikShahtheGrandson,ofToghrulBegtheTartar,whohadwrestedPersiafromthefeebleSuccessorofMahmudtheGreat,andfoundedthatSeljukianDynastywhichfinallyrousedEuropeintotheCrusades.ThisNizamulMulk,inhisWasiyat--orTestament--whichhewroteandleftasaMemorialforfutureStatesmen--relatesthefollowing,asquotedintheCalcuttaReview,No.59,fromMirkhond'sHistoryoftheAssassins.
"'OneofthegreatestofthewisemenofKhorassanwastheImamMowaffakofNaishapur,amanhighlyhonoredandreverenced,--mayGodrejoicehissoul;hisillustriousyearsexceededeighty-five,anditwastheuniversalbeliefthateveryboywhoreadtheKoranorstudiedthetraditionsinhispresence,wouldassuredlyattaintohonorandhappiness.ForthiscausedidmyfathersendmefromTustoNaishapurwithAbd-us-samad,thedoctoroflaw,thatImightemploymyselfinstudyandlearningundertheguidanceofthatillustriousteacher.Towardsmeheeverturnedaneyeoffavorandkindness,andashispupilIfeltforhimextremeaffectionanddevotion,sothatIpassedfouryearsinhisservice.WhenIfirstcamethere,Ifoundtwootherpupilsofmineownagenewlyarrived,HakimOmarKhayyam,andtheill-fatedBenSabbah.Bothwereendowedwithsharpnessofwitandthe
highestnaturalpowers;andwethreeformedaclosefriendshiptogether.WhentheImamrosefromhislectures,theyusedtojoinme,andwerepeatedtoeachotherthelessonswehadheard.NowOmarwasanativeofNaishapur,whileHasanBenSabbah'sfatherwasoneAli,amanofausterelifeandpractise,buthereticalinhiscreedanddoctrine.OnedayHasansaidtomeandtoKhayyam,"ItisauniversalbeliefthatthepupilsoftheImamMowaffakwillattaintofortune.Now,evenifwealldonotattainthereto,withoutdoubtoneofuswill;whatthenshallbeourmutualpledgeandbond?"Weanswered,"Beitwhatyouplease.""Well,"hesaid,"letusmakeavow,thatto
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whomsoeverthisfortunefalls,heshallshareitequallywiththerest,andreservenopre-eminenceforhimself.""Beitso,"webothreplied,andonthosetermswemutuallypledgedourwords.Yearsrolledon,andIwentfromKhorassantoTransoxiana,andwanderedtoGhazniandCabul;andwhenIreturned,Iwasinvestedwithoffice,androsetobeadministratorofaffairsduringtheSultanateofSultanAlpArslan.'
"Hegoesontostate,thatyearspassedby,andbothhisoldschool-friendsfoundhimout,andcameandclaimedashareinhisgoodfortune,accordingtotheschool-dayvow.TheVizierwasgenerousandkepthisword.Hasandemandedaplaceinthegovernment,whichtheSultangrantedattheVizier'srequest;butdiscontentedwithagradualrise,heplungedintothemazeofintrigueofanorientalcourt,and,failinginabaseattempttosupplanthisbenefactor,hewasdisgracedandfell.Aftermanymishapsandwanderings,HasanbecametheheadofthePersiansectoftheIsmailians,--apartyoffanaticswhohadlongmurmuredinobscurity,butrosetoanevileminenceundertheguidanceofhisstrongandevilwill.InA.D.1090,heseizedthecastleofAlamut,intheprovinceofRudbar,whichliesinthemountainoustractsouthoftheCaspianSea;anditwasfromthismountainhomeheobtainedthatevilcelebrityamongtheCrusadersastheOLDMANOFTHEMOUNTAINS,andspreadterrorthroughtheMohammedanworld;anditisyetdisputedwherethewordAssassin,
whichtheyhaveleftinthelanguageofmodernEuropeastheirdarkmemorial,isderivedfromthehashish,oropiateofhemp-leaves(theIndianbhang),withwhichtheymaddenedthemselvestothesullenpitchoforientaldesperation,orfromthenameofthefounderofthedynasty,whomwehaveseeninhisquietcollegiatedays,atNaishapur.OneofthecountlessvictimsoftheAssassin'sdaggerwasNizamulMulkhimself,theoldschool-boyfriend.[1]
"OmarKhayyamalsocametotheViziertoclaimhisshare;butnottoaskfortitleoroffice.'Thegreatestboonyoucanconferonme,'hesaid,'istoletmeliveinacornerundertheshadowofyourfortune,tospreadwidetheadvantagesofScience,andprayforyourlonglifeandprosperity.'TheViziertellsus,thatwhenhefoundOmarwas
reallysincereinhisrefusal,hepressedhimnofurther,butgrantedhimayearlypensionof1200mithkalsofgoldfromthetreasuryofNaishapur.
"AtNaishapurthuslivedanddiedOmarKhayyam,'busied,'addstheVizier,'inwinningknowledgeofeverykind,andespeciallyinAstronomy,whereinheattainedtoaveryhighpre-eminence.UndertheSultanateofMalikShah,hecametoMerv,andobtainedgreatpraiseforhisproficiencyinscience,andtheSultanshoweredfavorsuponhim.'
"WhentheMalikShahdeterminedtoreformthecalendar,Omarwasoneoftheeightlearnedmenemployedtodoit;theresultwastheJalali
era(socalledfromJalal-ud-din,oneoftheking'snames)--'acomputationoftime,'saysGibbon,'whichsurpassestheJulian,andapproachestheaccuracyoftheGregorianstyle.'Heisalsotheauthorofsomeastronomicaltables,entitled'Ziji-Malikshahi,'andtheFrenchhavelatelyrepublishedandtranslatedanArabicTreatiseofhisonAlgebra.
"HisTakhallusorpoeticalname(Khayyam)signifiesaTent-maker,andheissaidtohaveatonetimeexercisedthattrade,perhapsbeforeNizam-ul-Mulk'sgenerosityraisedhimtoindependence.ManyPersian
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poetssimilarlyderivetheirnamesfromtheiroccupations;thuswehaveAttar,'adruggist,'Assar,'anoilpresser,'etc.[2]Omarhimselfalludestohisnameinthefollowingwhimsicallines:--
"'Khayyam,whostitchedthetentsofscience,
Hasfalleningrief'sfurnaceandbeensuddenlyburned;TheshearsofFatehavecutthetentropesofhislife,AndthebrokerofHopehassoldhimfornothing!'
"WehaveonlyonemoreanecdotetogiveofhisLife,andthatrelatestotheclose;itistoldintheanonymousprefacewhichissometimesprefixedtohispoems;ithasbeenprintedinthePersianintheAppendixtoHyde'sVeterumPersarumReligio,p.499;andD'HerbelotalludestoitinhisBibliotheque,underKhiam.[3]--
"'ItiswritteninthechroniclesoftheancientsthatthisKingoftheWise,OmarKhayyam,diedatNaishapurintheyearoftheHegira,517(A.D.1123);insciencehewasunrivaled,--theveryparagonofhisage.KhwajahNizamiofSamarcand,whowasoneofhispupils,relatesthefollowingstory:"Ioftenusedtoholdconversationswithmyteacher,OmarKhayyam,inagarden;andonedayhesaidtome,'Mytombshallbeinaspotwherethenorthwindmayscatterrosesoverit.'Iwonderedatthewordshespake,butIknewthathiswere
noidlewords.[4]Yearsafter,whenIchancedtorevisitNaishapur,Iwenttohisfinalresting-place,andlo!itwasjustoutsideagarden,andtreesladenwithfruitstretchedtheirboughsoverthegardenwall,anddroppedtheirflowersuponhistomb,sothatthestonewashiddenunderthem."'"
Thusfar--withoutfearofTrespass--fromtheCalcuttaReview.Thewriterofit,onreadinginIndiathisstoryofOmar'sGrave,wasreminded,hesays,ofCicero'sAccountoffindingArchimedes'TombatSyracuse,buriedingrassandweeds.IthinkThorwaldsendesiredtohaverosesgrowoverhim;awishreligiouslyfulfilledforhimtothepresentday,Ibelieve.However,toreturntoOmar.
ThoughtheSultan"shower'dFavorsuponhim,"Omar'sEpicureanAudacityofThoughtandSpeechcausedhimtoberegardedaskanceinhisownTimeandCountry.HeissaidtohavebeenespeciallyhatedanddreadedbytheSufis,whosePractiseheridiculed,andwhoseFaithamountstolittlemorethanhisown,whenstriptoftheMysticismandformalrecognitionofIslamismunderwhichOmarwouldnothide.TheirPoets,includingHafiz,whoare(withtheexceptionofFirdausi)themostconsiderableinPersia,borrowedlargely,indeed,ofOmar'smaterial,butturningittoamysticalUsemoreconvenienttoThemselvesandthePeopletheyaddressed;aPeoplequiteasquickofDoubtasofBelief;askeenofBodilysenseasofIntellectual;anddelightinginacloudycompositionofboth,inwhichtheycouldfloatluxuriouslybetweenHeavenandEarth,andthisWorldandtheNext,on
thewingsofapoeticalexpression,thatmightserveindifferentlyforeither.OmarwastoohonestofHeartaswellofHeadforthis.Havingfailed(howevermistakenly)offindinganyProvidencebutDestiny,andanyWorldbutThis,hesetaboutmakingthemostofit;preferringrathertosoothetheSoulthroughtheSensesintoAcquiescencewithThingsashesawthem,thantoperplexitwithvaindisquietudeafterwhattheymightbe.Ithasbeenseen,however,thathisWorldlyAmbitionwasnotexorbitant;andheverylikelytakesahumorousorperversepleasureinexaltingthegratificationofSenseabovethatoftheIntellect,inwhichhemusthavetakengreat
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delight,althoughitfailedtoanswertheQuestionsinwhichhe,incommonwithallmen,wasmostvitallyinterested.
ForwhateverReason,however,Omarasbeforesaid,hasneverbeenpopularinhisownCountry,andthereforehasbeenbutscantilytransmittedabroad.TheMSS.ofhisPoems,mutilatedbeyondtheaverageCasualtiesofOrientalTranscription,aresorareintheEastasscarcetohavereachtWestwardatall,inspiteofalltheacquisitionsofArmsandScience.ThereisnocopyattheIndiaHouse,noneattheBibliothequeNationaleofParis.WeknowbutofoneinEngland:No.140oftheOuseleyMSS.attheBodleian,writtenatShiraz,A.D.1460.Thiscontainsbut158Rubaiyat.OneintheAsiaticSociety'sLibraryatCalcutta(ofwhichwehaveaCopy),contains(andyetincomplete)516,thoughswelledtothatbyallkindsofRepetitionandCorruption.SoVonHammerspeaksofhisCopyascontainingabout200,whileDr.SprengercataloguestheLucknowMS.atdoublethatnumber.[5]TheScribes,too,oftheOxfordandCalcuttaMSS.seemtodotheirWorkunderasortofProtest;eachbeginningwithaTetrastich(whethergenuineornot),takenoutofitsalphabeticalorder;theOxfordwithoneofApology;theCalcuttawithoneofExpostulation,supposed(saysaNoticeprefixedtotheMS.)tohavearisenfromaDream,inwhichOmar'smotheraskedabouthisfuturefate.Itmayberenderedthus:--
"OThouwhoburn'stinHeartforthosewhoburnInHell,whosefiresthyselfshallfeedinturn,Howlongbecrying,'Mercyonthem,God!'Why,whoartThoutoteach,andHetolearn?"
TheBodleianQuatrainpleadsPantheismbywayofJustification.
"IfImyselfuponalooserCreedHavelooselystrungtheJewelofGooddeed,LetthisonethingformyAtonementplead:ThatOneforTwoIneverdidmisread."
TheReviewer,[6]towhomIowetheParticularsofOmar'sLife,
concludeshisReviewbycomparinghimwithLucretius,bothastonaturalTemperandGenius,andasacteduponbytheCircumstancesinwhichhelived.Bothindeedweremenofsubtle,strong,andcultivatedIntellect,fineImagination,andHeartspassionateforTruthandJustice;whojustlyrevoltedfromtheirCountry'sfalseReligion,andfalse,orfoolish,Devotiontoit;butwhofellshortofreplacingwhattheysubvertedbysuchbetterHopeasothers,withnobetterRevelationtoguidethem,hadyetmadeaLawtothemselves.Lucretiusindeed,withsuchmaterialasEpicurusfurnished,satisfiedhimselfwiththetheoryofavastmachinefortuitouslyconstructed,andactingbyaLawthatimpliednoLegislator;andsocomposinghimselfintoaStoicalratherthanEpicureanseverityofAttitude,satdowntocontemplatethemechanicaldramaoftheUniversewhichhewas
partActorin;himselfandallabouthim(asinhisownsublimedescriptionoftheRomanTheater)discoloredwiththeluridreflexoftheCurtainsuspendedbetweentheSpectatorandtheSun.Omar,moredesperate,ormorecarelessofanysocomplicatedSystemasresultedinnothingbuthopelessNecessity,flunghisownGeniusandLearningwithabitterorhumorousjestintothegeneralRuinwhichtheirinsufficientglimpsesonlyservedtoreveal;and,pretendingsensualpleasure,astheseriouspurposeofLife,onlydivertedhimselfwithspeculativeproblemsofDeity,Destiny,MatterandSpirit,GoodandEvil,andothersuchquestions,easiertostartthantorundown,and
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thepursuitofwhichbecomesaverywearysportatlast!
WithregardtothepresentTranslation.TheoriginalRubaiyat(as,missinganArabicGuttural,theseTetrastichsaremoremusicallycalled)areindependentStanzas,consistingeachoffourLinesofequal,thoughvaried,Prosody;sometimesallrhyming,butoftener(ashereimitated)thethirdlineablank.SomewhatasintheGreekAlcaic,wherethepenultimatelineseemstoliftandsuspendtheWavethatfallsoverinthelast.AsusualwithsuchkindofOrientalVerse,theRubaiyatfollowoneanotheraccordingtoAlphabeticRhyme--astrangesuccessionofGraveandGay.ThosehereselectedarestrungintosomethingofanEclogue,withperhapsalessthanequalproportionofthe"Drinkandmake-merry,"which(genuineornot)recursover-frequentlyintheOriginal.Eitherway,theResultissadenough:saddestperhapswhenmostostentatiouslymerry:moreapttomoveSorrowthanAngertowardtheoldTentmaker,who,aftervainlyendeavoringtounshacklehisStepsfromDestiny,andtocatchsomeauthenticGlimpseofTO-MORROW,fellbackuponTO-DAY(whichhasoutlastedsomanyTo-morrows!)astheonlyGroundhehadgottostandupon,howevermomentarilyslippingfromunderhisFeet.
[FromtheThirdEdition.]
WhilethesecondEditionofthisversionofOmarwaspreparing,MonsieurNicolas,FrenchConsulatResht,publishedaverycarefulandverygoodEditionoftheText,fromalithographcopyatTeheran,comprising464Rubaiyat,withtranslationandnotesofhisown.
Mons.Nicolas,whoseEditionhasremindedmeofseveralthings,andinstructedmeinothers,doesnotconsiderOmartobethematerialEpicureanthatIhaveliterallytakenhimfor,butaMystic,shadowingtheDeityunderthefigureofWine,Wine-bearer,&c.,asHafizissupposedtodo;inshort,aSufiPoetlikeHafizandtherest.
Icannotseereasontoaltermyopinion,formedasitwasmorethana
dozenyearsagowhenOmarwasfirstshownmebyonetowhomIamindebtedforallIknowofOriental,andverymuchofother,literature.HeadmiredOmar'sGeniussomuch,thathewouldgladlyhaveadoptedanysuchInterpretationofhismeaningasMons.Nicolas'ifhecould.[7]Thathecouldnot,appearsbyhisPaperintheCalcuttaReviewalreadysolargelyquoted;inwhichhearguesfromthePoemsthemselves,aswellasfromwhatrecordsremainofthePoet'sLife.
AndifmorewereneededtodisproveMons.Nicolas'Theory,thereistheBiographicalNoticewhichhehimselfhasdrawnupindirectcontradictiontotheInterpretationofthePoemsgiveninhisNotes.(Seepp.13-14ofhisPreface.)IndeedIhardlyknewpoorOmarwasso
fargonetillhisApologistinformedme.Forhereweseethat,whateverweretheWinethatHafizdrankandsang,theveritableJuiceoftheGrapeitwaswhichOmarused,notonlywhencarousingwithhisfriends,but(saysMons.Nicolas)inordertoexcitehimselftothatpitchofDevotionwhichothersreachedbycriesand"hurlemens."Andyet,wheneverWine,Wine-bearer,&c.,occurintheText--whichisoftenenough--Mons.Nicolascarefullyannotates"Dieu,""LaDivinite,"&c.:socarefullyindeedthatoneistemptedtothinkthathewasindoctrinatedbytheSufiwithwhomhereadthePoems.(NotetoRub.ii.p.8.)APersianwouldnaturallywishtovindicatea
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distinguishedCountryman;andaSufitoenrollhiminhisownsect,whichalreadycomprisesallthechiefPoetsofPersia.
WhathistoricalAuthorityhasMons.NicolastoshowthatOmargavehimselfup"avecpassional'etudedelaphilosophiedesSoufis"?(Preface,p.xiii.)TheDoctrinesofPantheism,Materialism,Necessity,&c.,werenotpeculiartotheSufi;nortoLucretiusbeforethem;nortoEpicurusbeforehim;probablytheveryoriginalIrreligionofThinkingmenfromthefirst;andverylikelytobethespontaneousgrowthofaPhilosopherlivinginanAgeofsocialandpoliticalbarbarism,undershadowofoneoftheTwoandSeventyReligionssupposedtodividetheworld.VonHammer(accordingtoSprenger'sOrientalCatalogue)speaksofOmaras"aFree-thinker,andagreatopponentofSufism;"perhapsbecause,whileholdingmuchoftheirDoctrine,hewouldnotpretendtoanyinconsistentseverityofmorals.SirW.Ouseleyhaswrittenanotetosomethingofthesameeffectonthefly-leafoftheBodleianMS.AndintwoRubaiyatofMons.Nicolas'ownEditionSufandSufiarebothdisparaginglynamed.
NodoubtmanyoftheseQuatrainsseemunaccountableunlessmysticallyinterpreted;butmanymoreasunaccountableunlessliterally.WeretheWinespiritual,forinstance,howwashtheBodywithitwhendead?Whymakecupsofthedeadclaytobefilledwith--"LaDivinite,"bysomesucceedingMystic?Mons.Nicolashimselfispuzzledbysome
"bizarres"and"tropOrientales"allusionsandimages--"d'unesensualitequelquefoisrevoltante"indeed--which"lesconvenances"donotpermithimtotranslate;butstillwhichthereadercannotbutreferto"LaDivinite."[8]NodoubtalsomanyoftheQuatrainsintheTeheran,asintheCalcutta,Copies,arespurious;suchRubaiyatbeingthecommonformofEpigraminPersia.Butthis,atbest,tellsasmuchonewayasanother;nay,theSufi,whomaybeconsideredtheScholarandManofLettersinPersia,wouldbefarmorelikelythanthecarelessEpicuretointerpolatewhatfavourshisownviewofthePoet.IobservedthatveryfewofthemoremysticalQuatrainsareintheBodleianMS.,whichmustbeoneoftheoldest,asdatedatShiraz,A.H.865,A.D.1460.Andthis,Ithink,especiallydistinguishesOmar(Icannothelpcallinghimbyhis--no,notChristian--familiarname)
fromallotherPersianPoets:That,whereaswiththemthePoetislostinhisSong,theManinAllegoryandAbstraction;weseemtohavetheMan--theBon-homme--Omarhimself,withallhisHumoursandPassions,asfranklybeforeusasifwewerereallyatTablewithhim,aftertheWinehadgoneround.
ImustsaythatI,forone,neverwhollybelievedintheMysticismofHafiz.ItdoesnotappeartherewasanydangerinholdingandsingingSufiPantheism,solongasthePoetmadehisSalaamtoMohammedatthebeginningandendofhisSong.UndersuchconditionsJelaluddin,Jami,Attar,andotherssang;usingWineandBeautyindeedasImagestoillustrate,notasaMasktohide,theDivinitytheywerecelebrating.PerhapssomeAllegorylessliabletomistakeorabuse
hadbeenbetteramongsoinflammableaPeople:muchmoresowhen,assomethinkwithHafizandOmar,theabstractisnotonlylikenedto,butidentifiedwith,thesensualImage;hazardous,ifnottotheDevoteehimself,yettohisweakerBrethren;andworsefortheProfaneinproportionastheDevotionoftheInitiatedgrewwarmer.Andallforwhat?TobetantalizedwithImagesofsensualenjoymentwhichmustberenouncedifonewouldapproximateaGod,whoaccordingtotheDoctrine,isSensualMatteraswellasSpirit,andintowhoseUniverseoneexpectsunconsciouslytomergeafterDeath,withouthopeofanyposthumousBeatitudeinanotherworldtocompensateforallone'sself-
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denialinthis.Lucretius'blindDivinitycertainlymerited,andprobablygot,asmuchself-sacrificeasthisoftheSufi;andtheburdenofOmar'sSong--ifnot"Letuseat"--isassuredly--"Letusdrink,forTo-morrowwedie!"AndifHafizmeantquiteotherwisebyasimilarlanguage,hesurelymiscalculatedwhenhedevotedhisLifeandGeniustosoequivocalaPsalmodyas,fromhisDaytothis,hasbeensaidandsungbyanyratherthanspiritualWorshippers.
However,asthereissometraditionalpresumption,andcertainlytheopinionofsomelearnedmen,infavourofOmar'sbeingaSufi--andevensomethingofaSaint--thosewhopleasemaysointerprethisWineandCup-bearer.Ontheotherhand,asthereisfarmorehistoricalcertaintyofhisbeingaPhilosopher,ofscientificInsightandAbilityfarbeyondthatoftheAgeandCountryhelivedin;ofsuchmoderateworldlyAmbitionasbecomesaPhilosopher,andsuchmoderatewantsasrarelysatisfyaDebauchee;otherreadersmaybecontenttobelievewithmethat,whiletheWineOmarcelebratesissimplytheJuiceoftheGrape,hebragg'dmorethanhedrankofit,inverydefianceperhapsofthatSpiritualWinewhichleftitsVotariessunkinHypocrisyorDisgust.
EdwardJ.Fitzgerald
Footnotes:
[Footnote1:SomeofOmar'sRubaiyatwarnusofthedangerofGreatness,theinstabilityofFortune,andwhileadvocatingCharitytoallMen,recommendingustobetoointimatewithnone.AttarmakesNizam-ul-MulkusetheverywordsofhisfriendOmar[Rub.xxviii.],"WhenNizam-ul-MulkwasintheAgony(ofDeath)hesaid,'OhGod!Iampassingawayinthehandofthewind.'"]
[Footnote2:Thoughallthese,likeourSmiths,Archers,Millers,Fletchers,etc.,
maysimplyretaintheSurnameofanhereditarycalling.]
[Footnote3:"PhilosopheMusulmanquiavecuenOdeurdeSaintetedanssaReligion,verslaFindupremieretleCommencementdusecondSiecle,"nopartofwhich,exceptthe"Philosophe,"canapplytoourKhayyam.]
[Footnote4:TheRashnessoftheWords,accordingtoD'Herbelot,consistedinbeingsoopposedtothoseintheKoran:"NoManknowswhereheshalldie."--ThisstoryofOmarremindsmeofanothersonaturally--andwhenoneremembershowwideofhishumblemarkthenoblesailoraimed--sopatheticallytoldbyCaptainCook--notbyDoctorHawkworth--inhisSecondVoyage(i.374).WhenleavingUlietea,"Oreo'slastrequestwasformetoreturn.Whenhesawhecouldnotobtainthatpromise,he
askedthenameofmyMarai(burying-place).Asstrangeaquestionasthiswas,Ihesitatednotamomenttotellhim'Stepney';theparishinwhichIlivewheninLondon.Iwasmadetorepeatitseveraltimesovertilltheycouldpronounceit;andthen'StepneyMarainoToote'wasechoedthroughanhundredmouthsatonce.IafterwardsfoundthesamequestionhadbeenputtoMr.Forsterbyamanonshore;buthegaveadifferent,andindeedmoreproperanswer,bysaying,'Nomanwhousedtheseacouldsaywhereheshouldbeburied.'"]
[Footnote5:"Sincethispaperwaswritten"(addstheReviewerinanote),"we
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havemetwithaCopyofaveryrareEdition,printedatCalcuttain1836.Thiscontains438Tetrastichs,withanAppendixcontaining54othersnotfoundinsomeMSS."]
[Footnote6:ProfessorCowell.]
[Footnote7:PerhapswouldhaveeditedthePoemshimselfsomeyearsago.HemaynowaslittleapproveofmyVersionononeside,asofMons.Nicolas'Theoryontheother.]
[Footnote8:AnotetoQuatrain234admitsthat,howeverclearthemysticalmeaningofsuchImagesmustbetoEuropeans,theyarenotquotedwithout"rougissant"evenbylaymeninPersia--"Quantauxtermesdetendressequicommencentcequatrain,commetantd'autresdanscerecueil,noslecteurs,habituesmaintenanta1'etrangetedesexpressionssisouventemployeesparKheyampourrendresespenseessurl'amourdivin,etalasingularitedesimagestroporientales,d'unesensualitequelquefoisrevoltante,n'aurontpasdepeineasepersuaderqu'ils'agitdelaDivinite,bienquecetteconvictionsoitvivementdiscuteeparlesmoullahsmusulmans,etmemeparbeaucoupdelaiques,quirougissentveritablementd'unepareillelicencedeleurcompatriotea1'egarddeschosesspirituelles."]
FirstEdition
I.
Awake!forMorningintheBowlofNightHasflungtheStonethatputstheStarstoFlight:AndLo!theHunteroftheEasthascaughtTheSultan'sTurretinaNooseofLight.
II.
DreamingwhenDawn'sLeftHandwasintheSkyIheardaVoicewithintheTaverncry,"Awake,myLittleones,andfilltheCupBeforeLife'sLiquorinitsCupbedry."
III.
And,astheCockcrew,thosewhostoodbefore
TheTavernshouted--"OpenthentheDoor.Youknowhowlittlewhilewehavetostay,And,oncedeparted,mayreturnnomore."
IV.
NowtheNewYearrevivingoldDesires,ThethoughtfulSoultoSolituderetires,WheretheWHITEHANDOFMOSESontheBough
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Putsout,andJesusfromtheGroundsuspires.
V.
IramindeedisgonewithallitsRose,AndJamshyd'sSev'n-ring'dCupwherenooneknows;ButstilltheVineherancientRubyyields,AndstillaGardenbytheWaterblows.
VI.
AndDavid'sLipsarelock't;butindivineHighpipingPelevi,with"Wine!Wine!Wine!RedWine!"--theNightingalecriestotheRoseThatyellowCheekofhersto'incarnadine.
VII.
Come,filltheCup,andintheFireofSpringTheWinterGarmentofRepentancefling:TheBirdofTimehasbutalittleway
Tofly--andLo!theBirdisontheWing.
VIII.
Andlook--athousandBlossomswiththeDayWoke--andathousandscatter'dintoClay:AndthisfirstSummerMonththatbringstheRoseShalltakeJamshydandKaikobadaway.
IX.
ButcomewitholdKhayyam,andleavetheLotOfKaikobadandKaikhosruforgot:LetRustumlayabouthimashewill,OrHatimTaicrySupper--heedthemnot.
X.
WithmealongsomeStripofHerbagestrownThatjustdividesthedesertfromthesown,WherenameofSlaveandSultanscarceisknown,AndpitySultanMahmudonhisThrone.
XI.
HerewithaLoafofBreadbeneaththeBough,AFlaskofWine,aBookofVerse--andThouBesidemesingingintheWilderness--AndWildernessisParadiseenow.
XII.
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"HowsweetismortalSovranty!"--thinksome:Others--"HowblesttheParadisetocome!"Ah,taketheCashinhandandwaivetheRest;Oh,thebraveMusicofadistantDrum!
XIII.
LooktotheRosethatblowsaboutus--"Lo,Laughing,"shesays,"intotheWorldIblow:AtoncethesilkenTasselofmyPurseTear,anditsTreasureontheGardenthrow."
XIV.
TheWorldlyHopemensettheirHeartsuponTurnsAshes--oritprospers;andanon,LikeSnowupontheDesert'sdustyFaceLightingalittleHourortwo--isgone.
XV.
AndthosewhohusbandedtheGoldenGrain,AndthosewhoflungittotheWindslikeRain,AliketonosuchaureateEarthareturn'dAs,buriedonce,Menwantdugupagain.
XVI.
Think,inthisbatter'dCaravanseraiWhoseDoorwaysarealternateNightandDay,HowSultanafterSultanwithhisPompAbodehisHourortwo,andwenthisway.
XVII.
TheysaytheLionandtheLizardkeepTheCourtswhereJamshydgloriedanddrankdeep:AndBahram,thatgreatHunter--theWildAssStampso'erhisHead,andheliesfastasleep.
XVIII.
Isometimesthinkthatneverblowssored
TheRoseaswheresomeburiedCaesarbled;ThateveryHyacinththeGardenwearsDroptinitsLapfromsomeoncelovelyHead.
XIX.
AndthisdelightfulHerbwhosetenderGreenFledgestheRiver'sLiponwhichwelean--Ah,leanuponitlightly!forwhoknows
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FromwhatoncelovelyLipitspringsunseen!
XX.
Ah!myBeloved,filltheCupthatclearsTO-DAYofpastRegretsandfutureFears-To-morrow?--Why,To-morrowImaybeMyselfwithYesterday'sSev'nThousandYears.
XXI.
Lo!someweloved,theloveliestandthebestThatTimeandFateofalltheirVintageprest,HavedrunktheirCupaRoundortwobefore,AndonebyonecreptsilentlytoRest.
XXII.
Andwe,thatnowmakemerryintheRoomTheyleft,andSummerdressesinnewBloom,OurselvesmustwebeneaththeCouchofEarth
Descend,ourselvestomakeaCouch--forwhom?
XXIII.
Ah,makethemostofwhatweyetmayspend,BeforewetoointotheDustDescend;DustintoDust,andunderDust,tolie,SansWine,sansSong,sansSingerand--sansEnd!
XXIV.
AlikeforthosewhoforTO-DAYprepare,AndthosethatafteraTO-MORROWstare,AMuezzinfromtheTowerofDarknesscries"Fools!yourRewardisneitherHerenorThere."
XXV.
Why,alltheSaintsandSageswhodiscuss'dOftheTwoWorldssolearnedly,arethrustLikefoolishProphetsforth;theirWordstoScornArescatter'd,andtheirMouthsarestoptwithDust.
XXVI.
Oh,comewitholdKhayyam,andleavetheWiseTotalk;onethingiscertain,thatLifeflies;Onethingiscertain,andtheRestisLies;TheFlowerthatoncehasblownforeverdies.
XXVII.
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MyselfwhenyoungdideagerlyfrequentDoctorandSaint,andheardgreatArgumentAboutitandabout:butevermoreCameoutbythesameDoorasinIwent.
XXVIII.
WiththemtheSeedofWisdomdidIsow,Andwithmyownhandlabour'dittogrow:AndthiswasalltheHarvestthatIreap'd--"IcamelikeWater,andlikeWindIgo."
XXIX.
IntothisUniverse,andwhynotknowing,Norwhence,likeWaterwilly-nillyflowing:Andoutofit,asWindalongtheWaste,Iknownotwhither,willy-nillyblowing.
XXX.
What,withoutasking,hitherhurriedwhence?And,withoutasking,whitherhurriedhence!AnotherandanotherCuptodrownTheMemoryofthisImpertinence!
XXXI.
UpfromEarth'sCentrethroughtheseventhGateIrose,andontheThroneofSaturnsate,AndmanyKnotsunravel'dbytheRoad;ButnottheKnotofHumanDeathandFate.
XXXII.
TherewasaDoortowhichIfoundnoKey:TherewasaVeilpastwhichIcouldnotsee:SomelittleTalkawhileofMEandTHEEThereseemed--andthennomoreofTHEEandME.
XXXIII.
ThentotherollingHeav'nitselfIcried,
Asking,"WhatLamphadDestinytoguideHerlittleChildrenstumblingintheDark?"And--"Ablindunderstanding!"Heav'nreplied.
XXXIV.
ThentothisearthenBowldidIadjournMyLipthesecretWellofLifetolearn:AndLiptoLipitmurmur'd--"Whileyoulive,
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Drink!--foroncedeadyounevershallreturn."
XXXV.
IthinktheVessel,thatwithfugitiveArticulationanswer'd,oncedidlive,Andmerry-make;andthecoldLipIkiss'dHowmanyKissesmightittake--andgive.
XXXVI.
ForintheMarket-place,oneDuskofDay,Iwatch'dthePotterthumpinghiswetClay:AndwithitsallobliteratedTongueItmurmur'd--"Gently,Brother,gently,pray!"
XXXVII.
Ah,filltheCup:--whatbootsittorepeatHowTimeisslippingunderneathourFeet:UnbornTO-MORROWanddeadYESTERDAY,
WhyfretaboutthemifTO-DAYbesweet!
XXXVIII.
OneMomentinAnnihilation'sWaste,Onemoment,oftheWellofLifetotaste--TheStarsaresetting,andtheCaravanStartsforthedawnofNothing--Oh,makehaste!
XXXIX.
Howlong,howlong,ininfinitePursuitOfThisandThatendeavouranddispute?BetterbemerrywiththefruitfulGrapeThansaddenafternone,orbitter,Fruit.
XL.
Youknow,myFriends,howlongsinceinmyHouseForanewMarriageIdidmakeCarouse:DivorcedoldbarrenReasonfrommyBed,AndtooktheDaughteroftheVinetoSpouse.
XLI.
For"IS"and"IS-NOT"thoughwithRuleandLine,And,"UP-AND-DOWN"without,Icoulddefine,IyetinallIonlycaredtoknow,Wasneverdeepinanythingbut--Wine.
XLII.
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Andlately,bytheTavernDooragape,CamestealingthroughtheDuskanAngelShape,BearingavesselonhisShoulder;andHebidmetasteofit;and'twas--theGrape!
XLIII.
TheGrapethatcanwithLogicabsoluteTheTwo-and-SeventyjarringSectsconfute:ThesubtleAlchemistthatinaTriceLife'sleadenMetalintoGoldtransmute.
XLIV.
ThemightyMahmud,thevictoriousLord,ThatallthemisbelievingandblackHordeOfFearsandSorrowsthatinfesttheSoulScattersandslayswithhisenchantedSword.
XLV.
ButleavetheWisetowrangle,andwithmeTheQuarreloftheUniverseletbe:And,insomecorneroftheHubbubcoucht,MakeGameofthatwhichmakesasmuchofThee.
XLVI.
Forinandout,above,about,below,'TisnothingbutaMagicShadow-show,Play'dinaBoxwhoseCandleistheSun,RoundwhichwePhantomFigurescomeandgo.
XLVII.
AndiftheWineyoudrink,theLipyoupress,EndintheNothingallThingsendin--Yes-ThenfancywhileThouart,ThouartbutwhatThoushaltbe--Nothing--Thoushaltnotbeless.
XLVIII.
WhiletheRoseblowsalongtheRiverBrink,
WitholdKhayyamtheRubyVintagedrink:AndwhentheAngelwithhisdarkerDraughtDrawsuptothee--takethat,anddonotshrink.
XLVIX.
'TisallaChequer-boardofNightsandDaysWhereDestinywithMenforPiecesplays:Hitherandthithermoves,andmates,andslays,
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AndonebyonebackintheClosetlays.
L.
TheBallnoQuestionmakesofAyesandNoes,ButRightorLeftasstrikesthePlayergoes;AndHethattoss'dTheedownintotheField,Heknowsaboutitall--HEknows--HEknows!
LI.
TheMovingFingerwrites;and,havingwrit,Moveson:norallthyPietynorWitShalllureitbacktocancelhalfaLine,NorallthyTearswashoutaWordofit.
LII.
AndthatinvertedBowlwecallTheSky,Whereundercrawlingcoop'tweliveanddie,LiftnotthyhandstoITforhelp--forIt
RollsimpotentlyonasThouorI.
LIII.
WithEarth'sfirstClayTheydidtheLastMan'sknead,AndthenoftheLastHarvestsow'dtheSeed:Yea,thefirstMorningofCreationwroteWhattheLastDawnofReckoningshallread.
LIV.
ItellTheethis--When,startingfromtheGoal,OvertheshouldersoftheflamingFoalOfHeav'nParwinandMushtaritheyflung,Inmypredestin'dPlotofDustandSoul
LV.
TheVinehadstruckaFibre;whichaboutItclingsmyBeing--lettheSufiflout;OfmyBaseMetalmaybefiledaKey,ThatshallunlocktheDoorhehowlswithout.
LVI.
AndthisIknow:whethertheoneTrueLight,KindletoLove,orWrathconsumemequite,OneGlimpseofItwithintheTaverncaughtBetterthanintheTemplelostoutright.
LVII.
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OhThouwhodidstwithPitfallandwithGinBesettheRoadIwastowanderin,ThouwiltnotwithPredestinationroundEnmeshme,andimputemyFalltoSin?
LVIII.
OhThou,whoManofbaserEarthdidstmake,AndwhowithEdendidstdevisetheSnake;ForalltheSinwherewiththeFaceofManIsblacken'd,Man'sForgivenessgive--andtake!
KUZA--NAMA.("BookofPots")
LIX.
Listenagain.OneEveningattheCloseOfRamazan,erethebetterMoonarose,InthatoldPotter'sShopIstoodalone
WiththeclayPopulationroundinRows.
LX.
Andstrangetotell,amongthatEarthenLotSomecouldarticulate,whileothersnot:Andsuddenlyonemoreimpatientcried--"WhoisthePotter,pray,andwhothePot?"
LXI.
Thensaidanother--"SurelynotinvainMysubstancefromthecommonEarthwasta'en,ThatHewhosubtlywroughtmeintoShapeShouldstampmebacktocommonEarthagain."
LXII.
Anothersaid--"Why,ne'erapeevishBoyWouldbreaktheBowlfromwhichhedrankinJoy;ShallHethatmadetheVesselinpureLoveAndFansy,inanafterRagedestroy!"
LXIII.
Noneanswer'dthis;butafterSilencespakeAVesselofamoreungainlyMake:"Theysneeratmeforleaningallawry;What?didtheHandthenofthePottershake?"
LXIV.
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Saidone--"FolksofasurlyTapstertell,AnddaubhisVisagewiththeSmokeofHell;TheytalkofsomestrictTestingofus--Pish!He'saGoodFellow,and'twillallbewell."
LXV.
Thensaidanotherwithalong-drawnSigh,"MyClaywithlongoblivionisgonedry:But,fillmewiththeoldfamiliarJuice,MethinksImightrecoverby-and-bye!"
LXVI.
So,whiletheVesselsonebyonewerespeaking,OnespiedthelittleCrescentallwereseeking:Andthentheyjogg'deachother,"Brother!Brother!HarktothePorter'sShoulder-knota-creaking!"
*****
LXVII.
Ah,withtheGrapemyfadingLifeprovide,AndwashmyBodywhencethelifehasdied,AndinaWindingsheetofVineleafwrapt,SoburymebysomesweetGardenside.
LXVIII.
Thatev'nmyburiedAshessuchaSnare
OfPerfumeshallflingupintotheAir,AsnotaTrueBelieverpassingbyButshallbeovertakenunaware.
LXIX.
Indeed,theIdolsIhavelovedsolongHavedonemyCreditinMen'sEyemuchwrong:Havedrown'dmyHonourinashallowCup,AndsoldmyReputationforaSong.
LXX.
Indeed,indeed,RepentanceoftbeforeIswore--butwasIsoberwhenIswore?AndthenandthencameSpring,andRose-in-handMythread-barePenitencea-piecestore.
LXXI.
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AndmuchasWinehasplay'dtheInfidel,Androbb'dmeofmyRobeofHonour--well,IoftenwonderwhattheVintnersbuyOnehalfsopreciousastheGoodstheysell.
LXXII.
Alas,thatSpringshouldvanishwiththeRose!ThatYouth'ssweet-scentedManuscriptshouldclose!TheNightingalethatintheBranchessang,Ah,whence,andwhitherflownagain,whoknows!
LXXIII.
Ah,Love!couldthouandIwithFateconspireTograspthissorrySchemeofThingsentire,Wouldnotweshatterittobits--andthenRe-moulditnearertotheHeart'sDesire!
LXXIV.
Ah,MoonofmyDelightwhoknow'stnowane,TheMoonofHeav'nisrisingonceagain:HowofthereafterrisingshallshelookThroughthissameGardenafterme--invain!
LXXV.
AndwhenThyselfwithshiningFootshallpassAmongtheGuestsStar-scatter'donTheGrass,AndinThyjoyousErrandreachtheSpotWhereImadeone--turndownanemptyGlass!
TAMAMSHUD.
FifthEdition
I.
WAKE!FortheSun,whoscatter'dintoflightTheStarsbeforehimfromtheFieldofNight,DrivesNightalongwiththemfromHeav'n,andstrikesTheSultan'sTurretwithaShaftofLight.
II.
BeforethephantomofFalsemorningdied,MethoughtaVoicewithintheTaverncried,
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"WhenalltheTempleispreparedwithin,"WhynodsthedrowsyWorshiperoutside?"
III.
And,astheCockcrew,thosewhostoodbeforeTheTavernshouted--"OpenthentheDoor!"Youknowhowlittlewhilewehavetostay,And,oncedeparted,mayreturnnomore."
IV.
NowtheNewYearrevivingoldDesires,ThethoughtfulSoultoSolituderetires,WheretheWHITEHANDOFMOSESontheBoughPutsout,andJesusfromtheGroundsuspires.
V.
IramindeedisgonewithallhisRose,AndJamshyd'sSev'n-ring'dCupwherenooneknows;
ButstillaRubykindlesintheVine,AndmanyaGardenbytheWaterblows.
VI.
AndDavid'slipsarelockt;butindivineHigh-pipingPehlevi,with"Wine!Wine!Wine!"RedWine!"--theNightingalecriestotheRoseThatsallowcheekofhersto'incarnadine.
VII.
Come,filltheCup,andinthefireofSpringYourWintergarmentofRepentancefling:TheBirdofTimehasbutalittlewayToflutter--andtheBirdisontheWing.
VIII.
WhetheratNaishapurorBabylon,WhethertheCupwithsweetorbitterrun,TheWineofLifekeepsoozingdropbydrop,TheLeavesofLifekeepfallingonebyone.
IX.
EachMornathousandRosesbrings,yousay:Yes,butwhereleavestheRoseofYesterday?AndthisfirstSummermonththatbringstheRoseShalltakeJamshydandKaikobadaway.
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X.
Well,letittakethem!WhathavewetodoWithKaikobadtheGreat,orKaikhosru?LetZalandRustumblusterastheywill,OrHatimcalltoSupper--heednotyou.
XI.
WithmealongthestripofHerbagestrownThatjustdividesthedesertfromthesown,WherenameofSlaveandSultanisforgot--AndPeacetoMahmudonhisgoldenThrone!
XII.
ABookofVersesunderneaththeBough,AJugofWine,aLoafofBread--andThouBesidemesingingintheWilderness--Oh,WildernesswereParadiseenow!
XIII.
SomefortheGloriesofThisWorld;andsomeSighfortheProphet'sParadisetocome;Ah,taketheCash,andlettheCreditgo,NorheedtherumbleofadistantDrum!
XIV.
LooktotheblowingRoseaboutus--"Lo,Laughing,"shesays,"intotheworldIblow,AtoncethesilkentasselofmyPurse
Tear,anditsTreasureontheGardenthrow."
XV.
AndthosewhohusbandedtheGoldengrain,AndthosewhoflungittothewindslikeRain,AliketonosuchaureateEarthareturn'dAs,buriedonce,Menwantdugupagain.
XVI.
TheWorldlyHopemensettheirHeartsuponTurnsAshes--oritprospers;andanon,LikeSnowupontheDesert'sdustyFace,Lightingalittlehourortwo--isgone.
XVII.
Think,inthisbatter'dCaravanseraiWhosePortalsarealternateNightandDay,
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HowSultanafterSultanwithhisPompAbodehisdestinedHour,andwenthisway.
XVIII.
TheysaytheLionandtheLizardkeepThecourtswhereJamshydgloriedanddrankdeep:AndBahram,thatgreatHunter--theWildAssStampso'erhisHead,butcannotbreakhisSleep.
XIX.
IsometimesthinkthatneverblowssoredTheRoseaswheresomeburiedCaesarbled;ThateveryHyacinththeGardenwearsDroptinherLapfromsomeoncelovelyHead.
XX.
AndthisrevivingHerbwhosetenderGreenFledgestheRiver-Liponwhichwelean--
Ah,leanuponitlightly!forwhoknowsFromwhatoncelovelyLipitspringsunseen!
XXI.
Ah,myBeloved,filltheCupthatclearsTO-DAYofpastRegretsandfutureFears:To-morrow--Why,To-morrowImaybeMyselfwithYesterday'sSev'nthousandYears.
XXII.
Forsomeweloved,theloveliestandthebestThatfromhisVintagerollingTimehathprest,HavedrunktheirCupaRoundortwobefore,Andonebyonecreptsilentlytorest.
XXIII.
Andwe,thatnowmakemerryintheRoomTheyleft,andSummerdressesinnewbloom,OurselvesmustwebeneaththeCouchofEarthDescend--ourselvestomakeaCouch--forwhom?
XXIV.
Ah,makethemostofwhatweyetmayspend,BeforewetoointotheDustdescend;DustintoDust,andunderDusttolie,SansWine,sansSong,sansSinger,and--sansEnd!
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XXV.
AlikeforthosewhoforTO-DAYprepare,AndthosethataftersomeTO-MORROWstare,AMuezzinfromtheTowerofDarknesscries,"Fools!yourRewardisneitherHerenorThere."
XXVI.
Why,alltheSaintsandSageswhodiscuss'dOftheTwoWorldssowisely--theyarethrustLikefoolishProphetsforth;theirWordstoScornArescatter'd,andtheirMouthsarestoptwithDust.
XXVII.
MyselfwhenyoungdideagerlyfrequentDoctorandSaint,andheardgreatargumentAboutitandabout:butevermoreCameoutbythesamedoorwhereinIwent.
XXVIII.
WiththemtheseedofWisdomdidIsow,Andwithmineownhandwroughttomakeitgrow;AndthiswasalltheHarvestthatIreap'd--"IcamelikeWater,andlikeWindIgo."
XXIX.
IntothisUniverse,andWhynotknowingNorWhence,likeWaterwilly-nillyflowing;Andoutofit,asWindalongtheWaste,
IknownotWhither,willy-nillyblowing.
XXX.
What,withoutasking,hitherhurriedWhence?And,withoutasking,Whitherhurriedhence!Oh,manyaCupofthisforbiddenWineMustdrownthememoryofthatinsolence!
XXXI.
UpfromEarth'sCenterthroughtheSeventhGateIrose,andontheThroneofSaturnsate,AndmanyaKnotunravel'dbytheRoad;ButnottheMaster-knotofHumanFate.
XXXII.
TherewastheDoortowhichIfoundnoKey;TherewastheVeilthroughwhichImightnotsee:
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SomelittletalkawhileofMEandTHEETherewas--andthennomoreofTHEEandME.
XXXIII.
Earthcouldnotanswer;northeSeasthatmournInflowingPurple,oftheirLordForlorn;NorrollingHeaven,withallhisSignsreveal'dAndhiddenbythesleeveofNightandMorn.
XXXIV.
ThenoftheTHEEINMEwhoworksbehindTheVeil,IliftedupmyhandstofindAlampamidtheDarkness;andIheard,AsfromWithout--"THEMEWITHINTHEEBLIND!"
XXXV.
ThentotheLipofthispoorearthenUrnIlean'd,theSecretofmyLifetolearn:
AndLiptoLipitmurmur'd--"Whileyoulive,"Drink!--for,oncedead,younevershallreturn."
XXXVI.
IthinktheVessel,thatwithfugitiveArticulationanswer'd,oncedidlive,Anddrink;andAh!thepassiveLipIkiss'd,HowmanyKissesmightittake--andgive!
XXXVII.
ForIrememberstoppingbythewayTowatchaPotterthumpinghiswetClay:Andwithitsall-obliteratedTongueItmurmur'd--"Gently,Brother,gently,pray!"
XXXVIII.
AndhasnotsuchaStoryfromofOldDownMan'ssuccessivegenerationsroll'dOfsuchaclodofsaturatedEarthCastbytheMakerintoHumanmold?
XXXIX.
AndnotadropthatfromourCupswethrowForEarthtodrinkof,butmaystealbelowToquenchthefireofAnguishinsomeEyeTherehidden--farbeneath,andlongago.
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XL.
AsthentheTulipforhermorningsupOfHeav'nlyVintagefromthesoillooksup,Doyoudevoutlydothelike,tillHeav'nToEarthinvertyou--likeanemptyCup.
XLI.
PerplextnomorewithHumanorDivine,To-morrow'stangletothewindsresign,AndloseyourfingersinthetressesofTheCypress-slenderMinisterofWine.
XLII.
AndiftheWineyoudrink,theLipyoupress,EndinwhatAllbeginsandendsin--Yes;ThinkthenyouareTO-DAYwhatYESTERDAYYouwere--TO-MORROWyoushallnotbeless.
XLIII.
SowhenthatAngelofthedarkerDrinkAtlastshallfindyoubytheriver-brink,And,offeringhisCup,inviteyourSoulForthtoyourLipstoquaff--youshallnotshrink.
XLIV.
Why,iftheSoulcanflingtheDustaside,AndnakedontheAirofHeavenride,Were'tnotaShame--were'tnotaShameforhim
Inthisclaycarcasscrippledtoabide?
XLV.
'TisbutaTentwheretakeshisoneday'srestASultantotherealmofDeathaddrest;TheSultanrises,andthedarkFerrashStrikes,andpreparesitforanotherGuest.
XLVI.
AndfearnotlestExistenceclosingyourAccount,andmine,shouldknowthelikenomore;TheEternalSakifromthatBowlhaspour'dMillionsofBubbleslikeus,andwillpour.
XLVII.
WhenYouandIbehindtheVeilarepast,Oh,butthelong,longwhiletheWorldshalllast,
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WhichofourComingandDepartureheedsAstheSea'sselfshouldheedapebble-cast.
XLVIII.
AMoment'sHalt--amomentarytasteOfBEINGfromtheWellamidtheWaste--AndLo!--thephantomCaravanhasreach'dTheNOTHINGitsetoutfrom--Oh,makehaste!
XLIX.
WouldyouthatspangleofExistencespendAboutTHESECRET--quickaboutit,Friend!AHairperhapsdividestheFalsefromTrue--Anduponwhat,prithee,maylifedepend?
L.
AHairperhapsdividestheFalseandTrue;Yes;andasingleAlifweretheclue--
Couldyoubutfindit--totheTreasure-house,AndperadventuretoTHEMASTERtoo;
LI.
WhosesecretPresencethroughCreation'sveinsRunningQuicksilver-likeeludesyourpains;TakingallshapesfromMahtoMahiandTheychangeandperishall--butHeremains;
LII.
Amomentguessed--thenbackbehindtheFoldImmerstofDarknessroundtheDramaroll'dWhich,forthePastimeofEternity,HedothHimselfcontrive,enact,behold.
LIII.
Butifinvain,downonthestubbornfloorOfEarth,anduptoHeav'n'sunopeningDoor,YougazeTO-DAY,whileYouareYou--howthenTO-MORROW,whenYoushallbeYounomore?
LIV.
WastenotyourHour,norinthevainpursuitOfThisandThatendeavoranddispute;BetterbejocundwiththefruitfulGrapeThansaddenafternone,orbitter,Fruit.
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LV.
Youknow,myFriends,withwhatabraveCarouseImadeaSecondMarriageinmyhouse;DivorcedoldbarrenReasonfrommyBed,AndtooktheDaughteroftheVinetoSpouse.
LVI.
For"Is"and"Is-not"thoughwithRuleandLineAnd"UP-AND-DOWN"byLogicIdefine,Ofallthatoneshouldcaretofathom,Iwasneverdeepinanythingbut--Wine.
LVII.
Ah,bymyComputations,Peoplesay,ReducetheYeartobetterreckoning?--Nay,'TwasonlystrikingfromtheCalendarUnbornTo-morrowanddeadYesterday.
LVIII.
Andlately,bytheTavernDooragape,CameshiningthroughtheDuskanAngelShapeBearingaVesselonhisShoulder;andHebidmetasteofit;and'twas--theGrape!
LIX.
TheGrapethatcanwithLogicabsoluteTheTwo-and-SeventyjarringSectsconfute:ThesovereignAlchemistthatinatrice
Life'sleadenmetalintoGoldtransmute;
LX.
ThemightyMahmud,Allah-breathingLord,ThatallthemisbelievingandblackHordeOfFearsandSorrowsthatinfesttheSoulScattersbeforehimwithhiswhirlwindSword.
LXI.
Why,bethisJuicethegrowthofGod,whodareBlasphemethetwistedtendrilasaSnare?ABlessing,weshoulduseit,shouldwenot?AndifaCurse--why,then,Whosetitthere?
LXII.
ImustabjuretheBalmofLife,Imust,ScaredbysomeAfter-reckoningta'enontrust,
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OrluredwithHopeofsomeDivinerDrink,TofilltheCup--whencrumbledintoDust!
LXIII.
OfthreatsofHellandHopesofParadise!Onethingatleastiscertain--ThisLifeflies;OnethingiscertainandtherestisLies;TheFlowerthatoncehasblownforeverdies.
LXIV.
Strange,isitnot?thatofthemyriadswhoBeforeuspass'dthedoorofDarknessthrough,NotonereturnstotellusoftheRoad,Whichtodiscoverwemusttraveltoo.
LXV.
TheRevelationsofDevoutandLearn'dWhorosebeforeus,andasProphetsburn'd,
AreallbutStories,which,awokefromSleepTheytoldtheircomrades,andtoSleepreturn'd.
LXVI.
IsentmySoulthroughtheInvisible,SomeletterofthatAfter-lifetospell:AndbyandbymySoulreturn'dtome,Andanswer'd"IMyselfamHeav'nandHell:"
LXVII.
Heav'nbuttheVisionoffulfill'dDesire,AndHelltheShadowfromaSoulonfire,CastontheDarknessintowhichOurselves,Solateemergedfrom,shallsosoonexpire.
LXVIII.
WearenootherthanamovingrowOfMagicShadow-shapesthatcomeandgoRoundwiththeSun-illuminedLanternheldInMidnightbytheMasteroftheShow;
LXIX.
ButhelplessPiecesoftheGameHeplaysUponthisChequer-boardofNightsandDays;Hitherandthithermoves,andchecks,andslays,AndonebyonebackintheClosetlays.
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LXX.
TheBallnoquestionmakesofAyesandNoes,ButHereorThereasstrikesthePlayergoes;AndHethattoss'dyoudownintotheField,Heknowsaboutitall--HEknows--HEknows!
LXXI.
TheMovingFingerwrites;and,havingwrit,Moveson:norallyourPietynorWitShalllureitbacktocancelhalfaLine,NorallyourTearswashoutaWordofit.
LXXII.
AndthatinvertedBowltheycalltheSky,Whereundercrawlingcoop'dweliveanddie,LiftnotyourhandstoItforhelp--forItAsimpotentlymovesasyouorI.
LXXIII.
WithEarth'sfirstClayTheydidtheLastManknead,AndthereoftheLastHarvestsow'dtheSeed:AndthefirstMorningofCreationwroteWhattheLastDawnofReckoningshallread.
LXXIV.
YESTERDAYThisDay'sMadnessdidprepare;TO-MORROW'sSilence,Triumph,orDespair:Drink!foryounotknowwhenceyoucame,norwhy:
Drink!foryouknownotwhyyougo,norwhere.
LXXV.
Itellyouthis--When,startedfromtheGoal,OvertheflamingshouldersoftheFoalOfHeav'nParwinandMushtaritheyflung,InmypredestinedPlotofDustandSoul.
LXXVI.
TheVinehadstruckafiber:whichaboutItclingsmyBeing--lettheDervishflout;OfmyBasemetalmaybefiledaKeyThatshallunlocktheDoorhehowlswithout.
LXXVII.
AndthisIknow:whethertheoneTrueLightKindletoLove,orWrathconsumemequite,
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OneFlashofItwithintheTaverncaughtBetterthanintheTemplelostoutright.
LXXVIII.
What!outofsenselessNothingtoprovokeAconsciousSomethingtoresenttheyokeOfunpermittedPleasure,underpainOfEverlastingPenalties,ifbroke!
LXXIX.
What!fromhishelplessCreatureberepaidPureGoldforwhathelenthimdross-allay'd--SueforaDebtheneverdidcontract,Andcannotanswer--Ohthesorrytrade!
LXXX.
OhThou,whodidstwithpitfallandwithginBesettheRoadIwastowanderin,
ThouwiltnotwithPredestinedEvilroundEnmesh,andthenimputemyFalltoSin!
LXXXI.
OhThou,whoManofbaserEarthdidstmake,Andev'nwithParadisedevisetheSnake:ForalltheSinwherewiththeFaceofManIsblacken'd--Man'sforgivenessgive--andtake!
*****
LXXXII.
AsundercoverofdepartingDaySlunkhunger-strickenRamazanaway,OncemorewithinthePotter'shousealoneIstood,surroundedbytheShapesofClay.
LXXXIII.
ShapesofallSortsandSizes,greatandsmall,
Thatstoodalongthefloorandbythewall;AndsomeloquaciousVesselswere;andsomeListen'dperhaps,butnevertalk'datall.
LXXXIV.
Saidoneamongthem--"SurelynotinvainMysubstanceofthecommonEarthwasta'enAndtothisFiguremolded,tobebroke,
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OrtrampledbacktoshapelessEarthagain."
LXXXV.
ThensaidaSecond--"Ne'erapeevishBoyWouldbreaktheBowlfromwhichhedrankinjoy;AndHethatwithhishandtheVesselmadeWillsurelynotinafterWrathdestroy."
LXXXVI.
AfteramomentarysilencespakeSomeVesselofamoreungainlyMake;"Theysneeratmeforleaningallawry:What!didtheHandthenofthePottershake?"
LXXXVII.
WhereatsomeoneoftheloquaciousLot--IthinkaSufipipkin--waxinghot--"AllthisofPotandPotter--Tellmethen,
WhoisthePotter,pray,andwhothePot?"
LXXXVIII.
"Why,"saidanother,"SometherearewhotellOfonewhothreatenshewilltosstoHellThelucklessPotshemarr'dinmaking--Pish!He'saGoodFellow,and'twillallbewell."
LXXXIX.
"Well,"murmuredone,"Letwhosomakeorbuy,MyClaywithlongOblivionisgonedry:ButfillmewiththeoldfamiliarJuice,MethinksImightrecoverbyandby."
XC.
SowhiletheVesselsonebyonewerespeaking,ThelittleMoonlook'dinthatallwereseeking:Andthentheyjogg'deachother,"Brother!Brother!NowforthePorter'sshoulders'knota-creaking!"
*****
XCI.
Ah,withtheGrapemyfadinglifeprovide,AndwashtheBodywhencetheLifehasdied,Andlayme,shroudedinthelivingLeaf,BysomenotunfrequentedGarden-side.
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XCII.
Thatev'nburiedAshessuchasnareOfVintageshallflingupintotheAirAsnotaTrue-believerpassingbyButshallbeovertakenunaware.
XCIII.
IndeedtheIdolsIhavelovedsolongHavedonemycreditinthisWorldmuchwrong:Havedrown'dmyGloryinashallowCup,AndsoldmyreputationforaSong.
XCIV.
Indeed,indeed,RepentanceoftbeforeIswore--butwasIsoberwhenIswore?AndthenandthencameSpring,andRose-in-handMythread-barePenitenceapiecestore.
XCV.
AndmuchasWinehasplay'dtheInfidel,Androbb'dmeofmyRobeofHonor--Well,IwonderoftenwhattheVintnersbuyOnehalfsopreciousasthestufftheysell.
XCVI.
YetAh,thatSpringshouldvanishwiththeRose!
ThatYouth'ssweet-scentedmanuscriptshouldclose!TheNightingalethatinthebranchessang,Ahwhence,andwhitherflownagain,whoknows!
XCVII.
WouldbuttheDesertoftheFountainyieldOneglimpse--ifdimly,yetindeed,reveal'd,TowhichthefaintingTravelermightspring,Asspringsthetrampledherbageofthefield!
XCVIII.
WouldbutsomewingedAngeleretoolateArresttheyetunfoldedRollofFate,AndmakethesternRecorderotherwiseEnregister,orquiteobliterate!
XCIX.
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AhLove!couldyouandIwithHimconspireTograspthissorrySchemeofThingsentire,Wouldnotweshatterittobits--andthenRe-molditnearertotheHeart'sDesire!
C.
YonrisingMoonthatlooksforusagain--Howofthereafterwillshewaxandwane;HowofthereafterrisinglookforusThroughthissameGarden--andforoneinvain!
CI.
Andwhenlikeher,ohSaki,youshallpassAmongtheGuestsStar-scatter'dontheGrass,AndinyourjoyouserrandreachthespotWhereImadeOne--turndownanemptyGlass!
TAMAM.
Notes:
[Thereferencesare,exceptinthefirstnoteonly,tothestanzasoftheFifthedition.]
(StanzaI.)FlingingaStoneintotheCupwasthesignalfor"ToHorse!"intheDesert.
(II.)The"FalseDawn";SubhiKazib,atransientLightontheHorizonaboutanhourbeforetheSubhisadikorTrueDawn;awell-knownPhenomenonintheEast.
(IV.)NewYear.BeginningwiththeVernalEquinox,itmustberemembered;and(howsoevertheoldSolarYearispracticallysupersededbytheclumsyLunarYearthatdatesfromtheMohammedanHijra)stillcommemoratedbyaFestivalthatissaidtohavebeenappointedbytheveryJamshydwhomOmarsooftentalksof,andwhoseyearlyCalendarhehelpedtorectify.
"ThesuddenapproachandrapidadvanceoftheSpring,"saysMr.
Binning,"areverystriking.BeforetheSnowiswellofftheGround,theTreesburstintoBlossom,andtheFlowersstartfromtheSoil.AtNawRooz(theirNewYear'sDay)theSnowwaslyinginpatchesontheHillsandintheshadedVallies,whiletheFruit-treesintheGardenwerebuddingbeautifully,andgreenPlantsandFlowersspringinguponthePlainsoneveryside--
'AndonoldHyems'ChinandicyCrownAnodorousChapletofsweetSummerbudsIs,asinmockery,set--'--
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AmongthePlantsnewlyappear'dIrecognizedsomeAcquaintancesIhadnotseenformanyaYear:amongthese,twovarietiesoftheThistle;acoarsespeciesoftheDaisy,liketheHorse-gowan;redandwhiteclover;theDock;theblueCornflower;andthatvulgarHerbtheDandelionrearingitsyellowcrestontheBanksoftheWater-courses."TheNightingalewasnotyetheard,fortheRosewasnotyetblown:butanalmostidenticalBlackbirdandWoodpeckerhelpedtomakeupsomethingofaNorth-countrySpring.
"TheWhiteHandofMoses."Exodusiv.6;whereMosesdrawsforthhisHand--not,accordingtothePersians,"leprousasSnow,"butwhite,asourMay-blossominSpringperhaps.AccordingtothemalsotheHealingPowerofJesusresidedinhisBreath.
(V.)Iram,plantedbyKingShaddad,andnowsunksomewhereintheSandsofArabia.Jamshyd'sSeven-ring'dCupwastypicalofthe7Heavens,7Planets,7Seas,&c.,andwasaDiviningCup.
(VI.)Pehlevi,theoldHeroicSanskritofPersia.HafizalsospeaksoftheNightingale'sPehlevi,whichdidnotchangewiththePeople's.
IamnotsureifthefourthlinereferstotheRedRoselookingsickly,ortotheYellowRosethatoughttobeRed;Red,White,and
YellowRosesallcommoninPersia.IthinkthatSoutheyinhisCommon-PlaceBook,quotesfromsomeSpanishauthorabouttheRosebeingWhitetill10o'clock;"RosaPerfecta"at2;and"perfectaincarnada"at5.
(X.)Rustum,the"Hercules"ofPersia,andZalhisFather,whoseexploitsareamongthemostcelebratedintheShahnama.HatimTai,awell-knowntypeofOrientalGenerosity.
(XIII.)ADrum--beatenoutsideaPalace.
(XIV.)Thatis,theRose'sGoldenCentre.
(XVIII.)Persepolis:call'dalsoTakht-i-Jam-shyd--THETHRONEOF
JAMSHYD,"KingSplendid,"ofthemythicalPeshdadianDynasty,andsupposed(accordingtotheShah-nama)tohavebeenfoundedandbuiltbyhim.OthersreferittotheWorkoftheGenieKing,JanIbnJan--whoalsobuiltthePyramids--beforethetimeofAdam.
BAHRAMGUR.--BahramoftheWildAss--aSassanianSovereign--hadalsohisSevenCastles(liketheKingofBohemia!)eachofadifferentColour:eachwithaRoyalMistresswithin;eachofwhomtellshimaStory,astoldinoneofthemostfamousPoemsofPersia,writtenbyAmirKhusraw:alltheseSevensalsofiguring(accordingtoEasternMysticism)theSevenHeavens;andperhapstheBookitselfthatEighth,intowhichthemysticalSeventranscend,andwithinwhichtheyrevolve.TheRuinsofThreeofthoseTowersareyetshownbythe
Peasantry;asalsotheSwampinwhichBahramsunk,liketheMasterofRavenswood,whilepursuinghisGur.
ThePalacethattoHeav'nhispillarsthrew,AndKingstheforeheadonhisthresholddrew--IsawthesolitaryRingdovethere,And"Coo,coo,coo,"shecried;and"Coo,coo,coo."
[IncludedinNicolas'seditionasNo.350oftheRubaiyat,andalsoinMr.Whinfield'stranslation.]
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ThisQuatrainMr.Binningfound,amongseveralofHafizandothers,inscribedbysomestrayhandamongtheruinsofPersepolis.TheRingdove'sancientPehleviCoo,Coo,Coo,signifiesalsoinPersian"Where?Where?Where?"InAttar's"Bird-parliament"sheisreprovedbytheLeaderoftheBirdsforsittingstill,andforeverharpingonthatonenoteoflamentationforherlostYusuf.
AproposofOmar'sRedRosesinStanzaxix,IamremindedofanoldEnglishSuperstition,thatourAnemonePulsatilla,orpurple"PasqueFlower,"(whichgrowsplentifullyabouttheFleamDyke,nearCambridge,)growsonlywhereDanishBloodhasbeenspilt.
(XXI.)AthousandyearstoeachPlanet.
(XXXI.)Saturn,LordoftheSeventhHeaven.
(XXXII.)ME-AND-THEE:somedividualExistenceorPersonalitydistinctfromtheWhole.
(XXXVII.)OneofthePersianPoets--Attar,Ithink--hasaprettystoryaboutthis.AthirstyTravellerdipshishandintoaSpringofWatertodrinkfrom.By-and-bycomesanotherwhodrawsupanddrinksfromanearthenbowl,andthendeparts,leavinghisBowlbehindhim.The
firstTravellertakesitupforanotherdraught;butissurprisedtofindthatthesameWaterwhichhadtastedsweetfromhisownhandtastesbitterfromtheearthenBowl.ButaVoice--fromHeaven,Ithink--tellshimtheclayfromwhichtheBowlismadewasonceMan;and,intowhatevershaperenew'd,canneverlosethebitterflavourofMortality.
(XXXIX.)ThecustomofthrowingalittleWineonthegroundbeforedrinkingstillcontinuesinPersia,andperhapsgenerallyintheEast.Mons.Nicolasconsidersit"unsignedeliberalite,etenmemetempsunavertissementquelebuveurdoitvidersacoupejusqu'aladernieregoutte."IsitnotmorelikelyanancientSuperstition;aLibationtopropitiateEarth,ormakeheranAccompliceintheillicitRevel?Or,
perhaps,todiverttheJealousEyebysomesacrificeofsuperfluity,aswiththeAncientsoftheWest?WithOmarweseesomethingmoreissignified;thepreciousLiquorisnotlost,butsinksintothegroundtorefreshthedustofsomepoorWine-worshipperforegone.
ThusHafiz,copyingOmarinsomanyways:"WhenthoudrinkestWinepouradraughtontheground.WhereforefeartheSinwhichbringstoanotherGain?"
(XLIII.)AccordingtoonebeautifulOrientalLegend,AzraelaccomplisheshismissionbyholdingtothenostrilanApplefromtheTreeofLife.
This,andthetwofollowingStanzaswouldhavebeenwithdrawn,assomewhatdetrop,fromtheText,butforadvicewhichIleastliketodisregard.
(LI.)FromMahtoMahi;fromFishtoMoon.
(LVI.)AJest,ofcourse,athisStudies.AcuriousmathematicalQuatrainofOmar'shasbeenpointedouttome;themorecuriousbecausealmostexactlyparallel'dbysomeVersesofDoctorDonne's,thatarequotedinIzaakWalton'sLives!HereisOmar:"YouandIare
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theimageofapairofcompasses;thoughwehavetwoheads(sc.ourfeet)wehaveonebody;whenwehavefixedthecentreforourcircle,webringourheads(sc.feet)togetherattheend."Dr.Donne:
Ifwebetwo,wetwoaresoAsstifftwin-compassesaretwo;ThySoul,thefixtfoot,makesnoshowTomove,butdoesiftheotherdo.
Andthoughthineinthecentresit,Yetwhenmyotherfardoesroam,Thineleansandhearkensafterit,Androwserectasminecomeshome.
Suchthoumustbetome,whomustLiketheotherfootobliquelyrun;Thyfirmnessmakesmycirclejust,AndmetoendwhereIbegun.
(LIX.)TheSeventy-twoReligionssupposedtodividetheWorld,includingIslamism,assomethink:butothersnot.
(LX.)AlludingtoSultanMahmud'sConquestofIndiaanditsdarkpeople.
(LXVIII.)Fanusikhiyal,aMagic-lanthornstillusedinIndia;thecylindricalInteriorbeingpaintedwithvariousFigures,andsolightlypoisedandventilatedastorevolveroundthelightedCandlewithin.
(LXX.)AverymysteriousLineintheOriginal:
OdanadOdanadOdanadO--
breakingoffsomethinglikeourWood-pigeon'sNote,whichsheissaidtotakeupjustwheresheleftoff.
(LXXV.)ParwinandMushtari--ThePleiadsandJupiter.
(LXXXVII.)ThisRelationofPotandPottertoManandhisMakerfiguresfarandwideintheLiteratureoftheWorld,fromthetimeoftheHebrewProphetstothepresent;whenitmayfinallytakethenameof"Pottheism,"bywhichMr.CarlyleridiculedSterling's"Pantheism."MySheikh,whoseknowledgeflowsinfromallquarters,writestome--
"AproposofoldOmar'sPots,didIevertellyouthesentenceIfoundin'BishopPearsonontheCreed'?'ThusarewewhollyatthedisposalofHiswill,andourpresentandfutureconditionframedandorderedbyHisfree,butwiseandjust,decrees.Hathnotthepotterpower
overtheclay,ofthesamelumptomakeonevesseluntohonour,andanotheruntodishonour?(Rom.ix.21.)Andcanthatearth-artificerhaveafreerpoweroverhisbrotherpotsherd(bothbeingmadeofthesamemetal),thanGodhathoverhim,who,bythestrangefecundityofHisomnipotentpower,firstmadetheclayoutofnothing,andthenhimoutofthat?'"
Andagain--fromaverydifferentquarter--"IhadtorefertheotherdaytoAristophanes,andcamebychanceonacuriousSpeaking-potstoryintheVespae,whichIhadquiteforgotten.
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[Greektextdeletedfrometext.]
"ThePotcallsabystandertobeawitnesstohisbadtreatment.Thewomansays,'If,byProserpine,insteadofallthis'testifying'(comp.Cuddieandhismotherin'OldMortality!')youwouldbuyyourselfarivet,itwouldshowmoresenseinyou!'TheScholiastexplainsechinusas[Greekphrasedeletedfrometext]."
Onemoreillustrationfortheoddity'ssakefromthe"AutobiographyofaCornishRector,"bythelateJamesHamleyTregenna.1871.
"TherewasoneoddFellowinourCompany--hewassolikeaFigureinthe'Pilgrim'sProgress'thatRichardalwayscalledhimthe'ALLEGORY,'withalongwhitebeard--arareAppendageinthosedays--andaFacethecolourofwhichseemedtohavebeenbakedin,liketheFacesoneusedtoseeonEarthenwareJugs.InourCountry-dialectEarthenwareiscalled'Clome';sotheBoysoftheVillageusedtoshoutoutafterhim--'GobacktothePotter,OldClomeface,andgetbakedoveragain.'Forthe'Allegory,'thoughshrewdenoughinmostthings,hadthereputationofbeing'saift-baked,'i.e.,ofweakintellect."
(XC.)AttheCloseoftheFastingMonth,Ramazan(whichmakesthe
Mussulmanunhealthyandunamiable),thefirstGlimpseoftheNewMoon(whorulestheirdivisionoftheYear)islookedforwiththeutmostAnxiety,andhailedwithAcclamation.ThenitisthatthePorter'sKnotmaybeheard--towardtheCellar.OmarhaselsewhereaprettyQuatrainaboutthesameMoon--
"BeofGoodCheer--thesullenMonthwilldie,AndayoungMoonrequiteusbyandby:LookhowtheOldonemeagre,bent,andwanWithAgeandFast,isfaintingfromtheSky!"