Page:Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, the astronomer-poet of Persia (IA ru00biytofomaromarrich).pdf/23

RUBÁIYÁT

OF

OMAR KHAYYÁM OF NAISHÁPÚR.

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I.

Awake! for Morning in the Bowl of Night

Has flung the Stone that puts the Stars to Flight:¹
⁠And Lo! the Hunter of the East has caught
The Sultán's Turret in a Noose of Light.

II.

Dreaming when Dawn's Left Hand was in the Sky²

I heard a Voice within the Tavern cry,
⁠"Awake, my Little ones, and fill the Cup
"Before Life's Liquor in its Cup be dry."

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."