XXIII.

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?

The main inspiration of this quatrain comes from C. 388.

Arise, and do not sorrow for this fleeting world, Be at peace, and pass through the world with happiness. If the nature of the world were constant The turn of others would not have descended to you yourself.[42]

_Ref._: C. 388, L. 585, B. 578, S.P. 322, P. 159 and 178, B. ii. 430, T. 264, P. iv. 29 and 62.--W. 366, N. 325, V. 632.

Combined with the suggestion contained in this ruba'i, we find the echo of a sentiment that recurs continually in the originals, _e.g._, C. 82 (ll. 3 and 4) and O. 129 (ll. 3 and 4).

This verdure, which for the present is my pleasure-ground Until the verdure (springing) from my clay shall become a pleasure-ground--for whom?

_Ref._: C. 82, L. 191, B. 188, S.P. 70, P. 305, B. ii. 36, T. 63 and 351.--W. 73, N. 70, V. 187.

Sit upon the greensward, O Idol, for it will not be long Ere that greensward shall grow from my dust and thine.

_Ref._: O. 129, C. 416, L. 634, B. 626, S.P. 345, P. 47, B. ii. 464, P. v. 131--W. 390, N. 348, E.C. 3, V. 683.