The Secret of My Life

Listen to:

The Secret of My Life (1:04)

by Omar Khayyam

translated by Edward Fitzgerald 

performed by Bob Gonzalez, rhapsode

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, verses 35-37

translated by Edward Fitzgerald

    XXXV

    Then to the lip of this poor earthen Urn

    I lean'd, the Secret of my Life to learn:

    And Lip to Lip it murmur'd--"While you live

    Drink!--for, once dead, you never shall return."

    XXXVI

    I think the Vessel, that with fugitive

    Articulation answer'd, once did live,

    And drink; and Ah! the passive Lip I kiss'd,

    How many Kisses might it take--and give!

    XXXVII

    For I remember stopping by the way

    To watch a Potter thumping his wet Clay:

    And with its all-obliterated Tongue

    It murmur'd--"Gently, Brother, gently, pray!"