226
THE QUATRAINS OF
336.
I know what is, and what is not, I know
The lore of things above, and things below;
But all this lore will cheerfully renounce,
If one a higher grade than drink can show.
337.
Though I drink wine, I am no libertine.
Nor am I grasping, save of cups of wine;
I scruple to adore myself, like you;
For this cause to wine-worship I incline.
338.
To confidants like you I dare to say
What mankind really are:—moulded of clay,
Affliction's clay, and kneaded in distress,
They taste the world awhile, then pass away.
336. L. N. B. Line 1, Being and Not-being , 'Grade,' i.e. of learning.
337. C. L. N. A, I. J. A hit at the vain and covetous Mollas. Also ascribed to Anwari.
