Note 122 — EASTERN ODE, TRANSLATED FROM THE PROSE OF SIR WILLIAM JONES.[122]
Reading edition
“Thou hearest the song of the nightingale, that the vernal season approaches. Spring has spread a bower of joy in every grove, and the almond sheds her silver blossoms. Be cheerful, be full of mirth, for the spring passeth away, it will not last.
“The groves and hills are covered with all sort of flowers. A pavilion of roses, the seat of Pleasure, is raised in the garden. Who knows which of us shall be alive when the season ends? Be cheerful, be full of mirth, for the spring passeth away, it will not last.
“The edge of the bower is filled with the light of Ahmed. Amongst the plants, the fortunate tulips represent their companion. Come, O people of Mahomed, this is the season of merriment! Be cheerful, &c.
“Again the dew glitters on the leaves of the lily, like the water of a bright scymitar. The dew drops fall through the air on gardens of roses—Listen to me—listen to me, if thou desirest to be delighted! Be cheerful, &c.
“The roses and lilies are like the cheeks of beautiful maids, in whose ears pearls hang, like drops of dew. Deceive not thyself with thinking that these charms will have a long duration. Be cheerful, &c.
“Tulips, roses, and anemonies appear in the garden. The showers and sun-beams, like sharp lancets, tinge the banks with the colour of blood. Spend the day agreeably with thy friend!
“The time is past when the plants were sick, and the rose-pbud hung its drooping head on its bosom. The season is come, in which the rocks and mountains are covered with tulips. Be cheerful, &c.
“Each morning the clouds shed gems over the rose-garden. The breath of the gales is full of Tartarian musk—Be not neglectful of thy duty, through too great love of the world!
“The sweetness of the bowers have made the air so fragrant, that the dew is changed into rose-water. The sky spreads a pavilion of bright clouds over the garden. Be cheerful, &c.
“Whoever thou art, know, that the black gusts of the Autumn had seized the garden—but the king of the world appears, dispensing pleasure to all. In his reign the happy cup-bearer desired, and obtains the flowing wine. Be cheerful, &c.
“By these strains I hope to celebrate this delightful valley. May they be a memorial to its inhabitants, and remind them of this assembly, and of those fair maids. Be cheerful, be full of mirth, for the spring passeth away, it will not last.”