218
THE QUATRAINS OF
324.
"We shall not stay here long, but while we do,
'Tis folly wine and sweethearts to eschew;
Why ask if earth etern or transient be?
Since you must go, it matters not to you.
325.
In reverent sort to mosque I wend my way,
But, by great Allah, it is not to pray;
No! but to steal a prayer-mat! When 'tis worn,
I go again, another to purvey.
326.
No more let fate's annoys our peace consume,
But let us rather rosy wine consume;
The world our murderer is, and wine its blood,
Shall we not then that murderer's blood consume?
324. C. L. N. A. B. I. J.
325. C. L. N. A. B. I. J. To "steal a prayer-mat" is to pray to be seen of men.—Nicolas. A satire on some hypocrite, perhaps himself.
