A few of Omar Khayyam's Quatrains. Found this book rummaging through a load of stuff my Nan was going to jumble sale for Cancer Research. Judged it by its cover - a lovely old (1898) guilded hardback - and wasn't disappointed.
Has a wonderful sense of embracing the present; with talk of wine, women and song. This is a whole book of the stuff! What a guy!
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Behold, the dawn arises.
Rejoice in the present moment with a cup of crimson wine in your hand.
As for honour and fame, let that brittle glass be dashed to pieces against the earth.
The march of springs and autumns sweep the leaves from our life's tree.
Drink wine, friend, for the wise have wisely said,
"Life is a poison, and wine its antidote."
Give me a jug of wine, a book of verses, a loaf of bread, and a little idleness.
If with such store I might sit by your dear side in some lonely place, I should count myself happier than a king in his kingdom.