III.

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.»

The inspiration for this quatrain is found in four ruba'iyat of the Calcutta MS., viz.: 641, 207 (ll. 3 and 4), 273, 247.

It is the hour for the morning draught, and the cock-crow, O Saki, Here are we, and the wine, and the street of the vintners, O Saki, What time is this for devotions? Be silent, O Saki, Let be the traditions,[18] and drink to the dregs, O Saki.

_Ref._: L. 685, B. 676, C. 461, S.P. 448, B. ii. 599.--W. 483, N. 454, V. 737.

Thou must drink wine, and gratify the pleasures of thy heart, It is clear that so long (and no longer) thou wilt remain in this world.

_Ref._: L. 281, B. 277, C. 207.--V. 285.

O Essence of Delight! Arise, it is the dawn! Softly, softly drink wine, and play the harp For those who are asleep do not find much, And none of those who are gone will ever come back.

_Ref._: L. 431, B. 427, P. 289, C. 273, B. ii. 307, T. 173, P. v. 163.--N. 235, V. 469.

It is the dawn! Arise, O strange boy! Fill up the crystal cup with ruby wine. For this moment (of existence) that is lent thee in this corner of mortality Thou may'st seek long, but thou shalt not find it again.

_Ref._: L. 402, B. 398, P. 224, S.P. 213, C. 247, B. ii. 282, P. iv. 21.--N. 214, V. 425.