Omar Khayyam

Proofs in algebra illuminate the mind.

The bird of time flies, and the dawn is near.

Beauty fades like the morning dew.

Astronomy teaches humility before the cosmos.

In doubt, seek the wine of reason.

The cube root unlocks hidden treasures.

Life's garden blooms briefly.

A Moment's Halt—a momentary taste Of Being from the Well amid the Waste—And Lo! the phantom Caravan has reach'd The Nothing it set out from—Oh, make haste!

Indeed, indeed, Repentance oft before I swore—but was I sober when I swore? And then and then came Spring, and Rose-in-hand My thread-bare Penitence a-pieces tore.

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.

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 gone.

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

I came like Water, and like Wind I go.

The Grape that can with Logic absolute The Two-and-Seventy jarring Sects confute: The sovereign Alchemist that in a trice Life's leaden Metal into Gold transmute.

Oh, threats of Hell and Hopes of Paradise! One thing at least is certain—This Life flies; One thing is certain and the rest is Lies; The Flower that once has blown for ever dies.

Waste not your Hour, nor in the vain pursuit Of This and That endeavour and dispute; Better be jocund with the fruitful Grape Than sadden after none, or bitter, Fruit.

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!

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

For Heav'n's Sake, let us make our Heaven here.

Earth's secret open, and its hidden things, And all the lore of ancient kings, I know.