9.
In Allah's name, say, wherefore set the wise
Their hearts upon this house of vanities?
Whene'er they think to rest them from their toils,
Death takes them by the hand, and says, "Arise."
10.
Men say the Koran holds all heavenly lore,
But on its pages seldom care to pore;
The lucid lines engraven on the bowl,—
That is the text they dwell on evermore.
11.
Blame not the drunkards, you who wine eschew,
Had I but grace, I would abstain like you,
And mark me, vaunting zealot, you commit
A hundredfold worse sins than drunkards do.
9. Bl. C. L. N. A. I.
10. Bl. L. N. A. B. I. J. Lines were engraven on the bowl to measure out the draughts. Bl.
11. Bl. C. L. N. A. I. Yazdánrá, an oath. Ghulám, mere "children" compared to your sins.
