9
Each Morn a thousand Roses brings, you say:
Yes, but where leaves the Rose of Yesterday?
And this first Summer month that brings the Rose
Shall take Jamshyd and Kaikobad away.
10
Well, let it take them!
What have we to do With Kaikobad the Great, or Kaikhosru?
Let Zal and Rustum bluster as they will,
Or Hatim call to Supper–heed not you.
11
With me along the strip of Herbage strown
That just divides the desert from the sown,
Where name of Slave and Sultan is forgot
And Peace to Mahmud on his golden Throne!
12
A Book of Verses underneath the Bough,
A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread
–and Thou
Beside me singing in the Wilderness
Oh, Wilderness were Paradise now!
– Omar Khayyam