Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Like an Empty Cup


Listen to:

Like an Empty Cup (:59)

by Omar Khayyam

translated by Edward Fitzgerald 

performed by Bob Gonzalez, rhapsode


The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, verses 38-40
translated by Edward Fitzgerald

XXXVIII
    And has not such a Story from of Old
    Down Man's successive generations roll'd
    Of such a clod of saturated Earth
    Cast by the Maker into Human mould?


    XXXIX
    And not a drop that from our Cups we throw
    For Earth to drink of, but may steal below
    To quench the fire of Anguish in some Eye
    There hidden--far beneath, and long ago.


    XL
    As then the Tulip for her morning sup
    Of Heav'nly Vintage from the soil looks up,
    Do you devoutly do the like, till Heav'n
    To Earth invert you--like an empty Cup.

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