174
THE QUATRAINS OF
258.
Who e'er returned of all that went before,
To tell of that long road they travel o'er?
Leave naught undone of what you have to do,
For when you go, you will return no more.
259.
Dark wheel! how many lovers thou hast slain,
Like Mahmud and Ayáz, inhumane!
Come, let us drink, thou grantest not two lives,
When one is spent, we find it not again.
260.
Illustrious Prophet! whom all kings obey,
When is our darkness lightened by wine's ray?
On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
Friday, and Saturday, both night and day!
258. C. N. L. A. I. J. Ámădăyē, yá i tankír.
259. L. N. Mahmud, the celebrated king of Ghazni, and Ayáz his favourite. Scan wăyáz (alif i wasl).
