From The Revolt of Khayyam

These are four quatrains from among the "wine songs," which we have culled from the book The Revolt of Khayyam by its author, Mr. Abd al-Haqq Fadil, cultural attaché at the Iraqi Legation in Cairo.

What adds to the book's artistic value is the deep historical and literary study with which the author has introduced the quatrains of Khayyam — something in which no one has preceded him.

Drink the wine, and gladden your heart so laden with sorrows,
Then speak but little of what has been and what shall be;
For the soul, held on loan, is like a suffering prisoner —
So release it from the fetters of reason, time and time again!

*

Today — and this is the very prime of my youth —
I sip the wine, for the wine is my solace and my desire.
Do not fault it... bitter it is, but good;
Bitter indeed, but like my life, O my companions!

*

The morning has risen, joyous and fair — my soul be your ransom! —
So pass around in the goblet what is left us of yesterday's wine!
Bring me a cup, and let us today seize every delight,
For tomorrow we shall become bricks for a palace or a tomb!

*

The clouds have washed the cheeks of the meadow at the face of spring,
And broken-hearted Time has wakened after its slumber;
So drink the wine with the maiden in the garden, in
Remembrance of those above whose dust the garden has bloomed and breathes its fragrance!