192
THE QUATRAINS OF
285.
Life's fount is wine, Khizer its guardian,
I, like Elias, find it where I can;
'Tis sustenance for heart and spirit too,
Allah himself calls wine "a boon to man."
286.
Though wine is banned, yet drink, for ever drink!
By day and night, with strains of music drink!
Where'er thou lightest on a cup of wine,
Spill just one drop, and take the rest, and drink!
287.
Although the creeds number some seventy-three,
I hold with none but that of loving Thee;
What matter faith, unfaith, obedience, sin?
Thou'rt all we need, the rest is vanity.
285. C. L. N. A. I. J. Koran, ii. 216. Elias discovered the water of life.
286. C. L. N. A. I. J. To spill a drop is a sign of liberality. Nicolas.
