Omar Khayyam (170) “For a hand … which always grips a wine glass”

Juan Cole 07/04/2012

For a hand like mine,
which always grips a wine glass,
it would be a shame
to put scripture or a rosary in it.
You’re a dry ascetic,
and I’m a soused rascal,
but don’t worry–
I’m too well watered
to burn in hell.

Translated by Juan Cole
from Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, [pdf] Whinfield 170

About the Author

Juan Cole is the founder and chief editor of Informed Comment and Richard P. Mitchell Professor of History at the University of Michigan. He is author of, among many other books, Muhammad: Prophet of Peace amid the Clash of Empires. Follow him at @jricole.