Angel of the Darker Drink

Listen to:

Angel of the Darker Drink (:47)

by Omar Khayyam

translated by Edward Fitzgerald 

performed by Bob Gonzalez, rhapsode

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, verses 42-43

translated by Edward Fitzgerald

XLII

    And if the Wine you drink, the Lip you press

    End in what All begins and ends in--Yes;

    Think then you are To-day what Yesterday

    You were--To-morrow You shall not be less.

    XLIII

    So when that Angel of the darker Drink

    At last shall find you by the river-brink,

    And, offering his Cup, invite your Soul

    Forth to your Lips to quaff--you shall not shrink.