An online archive of the first five editions of Edward FitzGerald's translation of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.

1879 edition, stanza 53

1879 edition, stanza 53

But if in vain, down on the stubborn floor

Of Earth, and up to Heav'n's unopening Door,

You gaze TO-DAY, while You are You—how then

TO-MORROW, when You shall be You no more?