Part 38 (1/2)

If e'er she drop a sweetmeat in thy mouth, 'Tis poisonous,--to swallow it forbear!

103. C. L. A. B. I. _Hush_ contracted from _hosh_.

104.

Where'er you see a rose or tulip bed, Know that a mighty monarch's blood was shed And where the violet rears her purple tuft, Be sure a black-moled girl hath laid her head.

104. B. L. The MSS. have a variation of this, beginning _Har khisht ki_.

105.

Wine is a melting ruby, cup its mine; Cup is the body, and the soul is wine; These crystal goblets smile with ruddy wine Like tears, that blood of wounded hearts enshrine.

105. L. B.

106.

Drink wine! 'tis life etern, and travail's meed, Fruitage of youth, and balm of age's need: 'Tis the glad time of roses, wine and friends; Rejoice thy spirit--that is life indeed.

106. L. B. There being no _izafat_ after _yaran_, _sar i mast_ must agree with _hangam_.

107.

Drink wine! long must you sleep within the tomb, Without a friend, or wife to cheer your gloom; Hear what I say, and tell it not again, Never again can withered tulips bloom.

107. C. A. B. I. J. This recalls the chorus in the Oedipus Coloneus.

108.

They preach how sweet those Houri brides will be, But I say wine is sweeter--taste and see!

Hold fast this cash, and let that credit go, And shun the din of empty drums like me.

108. C. L. A. B. I. J. _Sin_, nuptials. Like me, _i.e._, as I do.

109.

Once and again my soul did me implore, To teach her, if I might, the heavenly lore; I bade her learn the _Alif_ well by heart.

Who knows that letter well need learn no more.

109. B. _Alif Kafat_, the One (G.o.d) is enough. Probably a quotation.

Hafiz (Ode 416) uses the same expression: He who knows the One knows all.