LiederNet logo

CONTENTS

×
  • Home | Introduction
  • Composers (20,120)
  • Text Authors (19,527)
  • Go to a Random Text
  • What’s New
  • A Small Tour
  • FAQ & Links
  • Donors
  • DONATE

UTILITIES

  • Search Everything
  • Search by Surname
  • Search by Title or First Line
  • Search by Year
  • Search by Collection

CREDITS

  • Emily Ezust
  • Contributors (1,114)
  • Contact Information
  • Bibliography

  • Copyright Statement
  • Privacy Policy

Follow us on Facebook

Omar Khayyám

Cantata by Henry Houseley (1852? - 1925)

1. Part I Sung Text

Note: this is a multi-text setting


Wake! For the Sun behind yon Eastern height 
Has chased the Session of the Stars from Night,
And, to the field of Heav'n ascending, strikes 
The Sultán's Turret with a Shaft of Light.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 1, first published 1868

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Before the phantom of False morning died
Methought a Voice within the Tavern cried:
"When all the Temple is prepared within
Why nods the drowsy Worshipper outside?"

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 2, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 2, first published 1872

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this page: Barbara Miller



And, as the Cock crew, those who stood before
The Tavern shouted -- "Open then the Door!
"You know how little while we have to stay,
"And, once departed, may return no more."

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, First Edition, no. 3, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 3, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 3, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 3, first published 1859

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Come, fill the Cup, and in the fire of Spring
Your Winter-garment of Repentance fling.
The Bird of Time has but a little way
To flutter -- and the Bird is on the wing!

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 7, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 7, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 7

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Research team for this page: Emily Ezust [Administrator] , Johann Winkler



Whether at Naishápúr or Babylon,
Whether the Cup with sweet or bitter run,
The Wine of Life keeps oozing drop by drop,
The Leaves of Life keep falling one by one.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 8, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 8, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 8, first published 1868

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this page: Barbara Miller



Each morn a thousand Roses brings, you say;
Yes, -- but where leaves the Rose of yesterday? --
And this first Summer month that brings the Rose,
Shall take Jamshyd and Kaikobád away.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 9, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 9, first published 1872

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this page: Barbara Miller



Well, let it take them! What have we to do 
With Kaikobád the Great, or Kaikhosrú?
Let Zál and Rustum bluster as they will, 
Or Hátim call to Supper -- heed not you.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 10, first published 1879

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Come, fill the Cup, and in the fire of Spring
Your Winter-garment of Repentance fling.
The Bird of Time has but a little way
To flutter -- and the Bird is on the wing!

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 7, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 7, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 7

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Research team for this page: Emily Ezust [Administrator] , Johann Winkler


2. Part 2 Sung Text

Note: this is a multi-text setting


With me along the strip of Herbage strown 
That just divides the desert from the sown,
Where name of Slave and Sultán is forgot --
And Peace to Máhmúd on his golden Throne!

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 11, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 11, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 11, first published 1868

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



A Book of Verses underneath the Bough,
A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread -- and Thou
Beside me singing in the Wilderness --
[Oh]1, Wilderness were Paradise enow!

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 12, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 12, first published 1872

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):

  • ITA Italian (Italiano) (Ferdinando Albeggiani) , "Un libro di poesie posato sotto un ramo", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission

View original text (without footnotes)
1 Lehmann : "Ah"

Researcher for this page: Barbara Miller



Some for the Glories of This World; and some
Sigh for the Prophet's Paradise to come;
Ah, take the Cash, and let the Promise go,
Nor heed the music of a distant Drum!

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 13, first published 1868

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Some for the Glories of This World; and some
Sigh for the Prophet's Paradise to come;
Ah, take the Cash, and let the Credit go,
Nor heed the rumble of a distant Drum!

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 13, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 13

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Look to the [blowing Rose]1 about us -- "Lo,
"Laughing," she says, "into the World I blow:
"At once the silken Tassel of my Purse 
"Tear, and its Treasure on the Garden throw."

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, First Edition, no. 13, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 15, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 14, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 14, first published 1859

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

View original text (without footnotes)
1 first edition: "Rose that blows".

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



The worldly hope men set their Hearts upon
Turns Ashes, or it prospers; and anon
Like Snow upon the Desert's dusty face,
Lighting a little hour or two -- [is]1 gone.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, First Edition, no. 14, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 17, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 16, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 16, first published 1859

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

View original text (without footnotes)
1 Fitzgerald has "was" in the second and third editions.

Researcher for this page: Barbara Miller



Think, in this batter'd Caravanserai,
Whose [Portals]1 are alternate Night and Day,
How Sultan after Sultan with his Pomp,
Abode his [destined hour]2 and went his way.3

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, First Edition, no. 16, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 18, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 17, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 17, first published 1859

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

View original text (without footnotes)
1 in the first edition alone: "Doorways"
2 in the first edition alone: "Hour or two"
3 Lehmann adds: "Waste not your hour!"

Researcher for this page: Barbara Miller


3. Part 3 Sung Text

Note: this is a multi-text setting


They say the Lion and the Lizard keep
The Courts where Jamshýd gloried and drank deep,
And Bahrám, that great Hunter, -- the wild Ass
Stamps o'er his Head, but cannot break his sleep.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, First Edition, no. 17, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 19, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 18, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 18, first published 1859

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this page: Barbara Miller



And not a drop that from our Cups we throw
For Earth to drink of, but may steal below
To quench the fire of Anguish in some Eye
There hidden -- far beneath, and long ago.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), title 1: "And not a drop that from our Cups we throw", title 2: "Ah, not a drop that from our Cups we throw", appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 39, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 39

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



I sometimes think that never blows so red
The Rose as where some buried Caesar bled,
That every Hyacinth the Garden wears
Dropt in her lap from some once lovely head.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, First Edition, no. 18, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 24, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 19, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 19, first published 1859

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this page: Barbara Miller



And this reviving Herb, whose tender green,
Fledges the River's Lip on which we lean --
Ah, lean upon it lightly! for who knows
From what once lovely Lip it springs unseen.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, First Edition, no. 19, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 25, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 20, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 20, first published 1859

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Research team for this page: Emily Ezust [Administrator] , Johann Winkler



Ah, my Beloved, fill the Cup that clears
TO-DAY of past Regrets and future Fears:
To-morrow! Why, To-morrow I may be
Myself with Yesterday's Sev'n thousand Years.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, First Edition, no. 20, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 21, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 21, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 21, first published 1859

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



For some we loved, the loveliest and the best 
That from his Vintage rolling Time hath prest,
Have drunk their Cup a Round or two before, 
And one by one crept silently to rest.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 22

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



And we, that now make merry in the Room
They left, and Summer dresses in new Bloom,
Ourselves must we beneath the Couch of Earth
Descend, ourselves to make a Couch -- for whom?

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, First Edition, no. 22, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 23, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 23, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 23, first published 1859

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Ah, make the most of what we yet may spend,
Before we too into the Dust descend;
Dust into Dust, and under Dust, to lie,
Sans Wine, sans Song, sans Singer, and -- sans End!

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, First Edition, no. 23, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 26, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 24, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 24, first published 1859

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this page: Barbara Miller


4. Part 4 Sung Text

Note: this is a multi-text setting


Alike [for]1 those who for TO-DAY prepare,
And those that after [some]2 TO-MORROW stare,
A Muezzin from the Tower of Darkness cries
"Fools! your Reward is neither Here nor There!"

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, First Edition, no. 24, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 27, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 25, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 25, second, third, fourth editions, first published 1859

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

View original text (without footnotes)
1 Harris: "are" ; further changes may exist not noted above.
2 in the first edition: "a"

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Why, all the Saints and Sages who discuss'd
Of the two Worlds so wisely — they are thrust
Like foolish Prophets forth; their Words to Scorn
Are scatter'd, and their Mouths are stopt with Dust.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 26

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Myself when young did eagerly frequent
Doctor and Saint, and heard great argument
About it and about; but evermore
Came out by the same door where in I went.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 27, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 27

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



With them the Seed of Wisdom did I sow,
And with my own Hand [wrought to make it]1 grow,
And this was all the Harvest that I reap'd --
"I came like Water, and like Wind I go."

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, First Edition, no. 28, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 31, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 28, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 28, first published 1859

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

View original text (without footnotes)
1 first edition: "labour'd it to"

Researcher for this page: Barbara Miller



Into this Universe, and why not knowing,
Nor whence, like Water willy-nilly flowing:
And out of it, as Wind along the Waste,
I know not whither, willy-nilly blowing.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, First Edition, no. 29, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 32, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 29, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 29, first published 1859

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



What, without asking, hither hurried Whence? 
And, without asking, Whither hurried hence!
Oh, many a Cup of this forbidden Wine 
Must drown the memory of that insolence!

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 30, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 30, first published 1872

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Up from Earth's Centre through the Seventh Gate
I rose, and on the Throne of Saturn sate,
And many a Knot unravel’d by the Road;
But not the Master-knot of Human Fate.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 31, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 31

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



There was the Door to which I found no Key;
There was the Veil through which I might not see;
Some little talk awhile of ME and THEE
There was — and then no more of THEE and ME.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 32

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Earth could not answer; nor the Seas that mourn
In flowing Purple, of their Lord forlorn:
Nor rolling Heaven, with all his Signs reveal’d
And hidden by the sleeve of Night and Morn.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 33, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 33

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Then of the THEE IN ME who works behind
The Veil, I lifted up my hands to find
A Lamp amid the Darkness; and I heard,
As from Without -- "THE ME WITHIN THEE BLIND!"

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 34, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 34, first published 1872

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Then to the Lip of this poor earthen Urn
I lean’d, the Secret of my Life to learn;
And Lip to Lip it murmur’d — "While you live, 
Drink! — for, once dead, you never shall return."

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 35, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 35

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]


5. Part 5 Sung Text

Note: this is a multi-text setting


I sent my Soul through the Invisible,
Some letter of that After-life to spell,
And by and by my Soul return'd to me
And answer'd: I myself am Heav'n and Hell.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 66, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 66, first published 1868

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this page: Barbara Miller



Heav'n but the vision of fulfilled Desire
And Hell the Shadow from a Soul on fire,
Cast on the Darkness into which ourselves,
So late emerged from, shall so soon expire.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 72, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 67, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 67, first published 1868

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this page: Barbara Miller



We are no other than a moving row
Of Magic Shadow-shapes that come and go
Round with this Sun-illumin'd Lantern held
In Midnight by the Master of the Show;

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 73, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 68, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 68, first published 1868

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



But helpless Pieces of the Game He plays
Upon this Chequer-board of Nights and Days;
Hither and thither moves, and checks, and slays;
And one by one back in the Closet lays.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 69, first published 1879

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



The Ball no Question makes of Ayes and Noes,
But Here or There, as strikes the Player goes;
And He that toss'd you down into the Field,
He knows about it all -- HE knows --- HE knows!

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 70

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, First Edition, no. 51, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 76, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 71, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 71, first published 1859

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



And that inverted Bowl we call The Sky,
Whereunder crawling coop't we live and die,
Lift not thy hands to It for help -- for it
As impotently moves as you or I.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 72

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Perplext no more with Human or Divine, 
To-morrow's tangle to the winds resign,
And lose your fingers in the tresses of 
The Cypress-slender Minister of Wine.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 41, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 41, first published 1872

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



And if the Wine you drink, the Lip you press, 
End in what All begins and ends in -- Yes;
Think then you are TO-DAY what YESTERDAY 
You were -- TO-MORROW you shall not be less.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 42, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 42, first published 1872

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



So when that Angel of the darker Drink
At last shall find you by the river-brink,
And, offering his Cup, invite your Soul
Forth to your Lips to quaff -- you shall not shrink.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 43, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 43, first published 1872

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Why, if the Soul can fling the Dust aside
And naked on the air of Heaven ride,
Were't not a shame -- were't not a shame for him
In this clay carcase crippled to abide?

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 44, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 44, first published 1872

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this page: Barbara Miller



'Tis but a Tent where takes his one-day's rest
A sultan to the realm of Death addrest;
The Sultan rises, and the dark Ferrásh
Strikes, and prepares it for another guest.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 45, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 45

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



And fear not lest Existence closing your
Account, and mine, should know the like no more;
The Eternal Sáki from that Bowl has pour'd 
Millions of Bubbles like us, and will pour.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 46

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



When you and I behind the veil are past
Oh, but the long, long while the World shall last --
Which of our Coming and Departure heeds
As the Sea's self should heed a pebble-cast.

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 47

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]


6. Part 6 Sung Text

Note: this is a multi-text setting


Yon rising Moon that looks for us again --
How oft hereafter will she wax and wane;
How oft hereafter rising look for us
Through this same Garden -- and for one in vain!

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 100, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 100, first published 1872

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



And when like her, oh Sáki, you shall pass 
Among the Guests Star-scatter'd on the Grass,
And in your joyous errand reach the spot 
Where I made One -- turn down an empty Glass!

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 101

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Yet Ah, that Spring should vanish with the Rose!
That Youth’s sweet-scented manuscript should close!
The Nightingale that in the branches sang, 
Ah whence, and whither flown again, who knows!

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 96, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 104, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 96

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Would but the Desert of the Fountain yield
One glimpse -- if dimly, yet indeed, reveal'd,
To which the fainting Traveller might spring,
As springs the trampled herbage of the field!

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 97, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 97

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Would but some winged Angel ere too late
Arrest the yet unfolded Roll of Fate,
And make the stern Recorder otherwise
Enregister, or quite obliterate!

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 98, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 98, first published 1872

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]



Ah Love! could you and I with Him conspire
To grasp the sorry Scheme of Things entire,
Would we not shatter it to bits -- and then
Remould it nearer to the Heart's Desire!

Text Authorship:

  • by Edward Fitzgerald (1809 - 1883), no title, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, First Edition, no. 73, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Second Edition, no. 108, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Third Edition, no. 99, appears in The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, Fourth Edition, no. 99, first published 1859

Based on:

  • a text in Persian (Farsi) by Hakim Omar Khayyám (c1048 - c1122) [text unavailable]
    • Go to the text page.

See other settings of this text.

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]


Total word count: 1718
Gentle Reminder

This website began in 1995 as a personal project by Emily Ezust, who has been working on it full-time without a salary since 2008. Our research has never had any government or institutional funding, so if you found the information here useful, please consider making a donation. Your help is greatly appreciated!
–Emily Ezust, Founder

Donate

We use cookies for internal analytics and to earn much-needed advertising revenue. (Did you know you can help support us by turning off ad-blockers?) To learn more, see our Privacy Policy. To learn how to opt out of cookies, please visit this site.

I acknowledge the use of cookies

Contact
Copyright
Privacy

Copyright © 2025 The LiederNet Archive

Site redesign by Shawn Thuris