The Eternal Saki

Listen to:

The Eternal Saki (1:05)

by Omar Khayyam

translated by Edward Fitzgerald 

performed by Bob Gonzalez, rhapsode

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, verses 44, 46-47

translated by Edward Fitzgerald

XLIV

    Why, if the Soul can fling the Dust aside,

    And naked on the Air of Heaven ride,

    Were't not a Shame--were't not a Shame for him

    In this clay carcase crippled to abide?

XLVI

    And fear not lest Existence closing your

    Account, and mine, should know the like no more;

    The Eternal Saki from that Bowl has pour'd

    Millions of Bubbles like us, and will pour.

    XLVII

    When You and I behind the Veil are past,

    Oh, but the long, long while the World shall last,

    Which of our Coming and Departure heeds

    As the Sea's self should heed a pebble-cast.