[O Málik! I pray thee go for the wine full early]

O Málik! I pray thee go for the wine full early, And if it be dear to buy, then buy it dearly! Bethink thee how once a grizzled old tavern-keeper, Whose whiskers were black with blowing the tarry wineskin, I called, as he lay where slumber had stolen o’er him — His head sunk low, the left hand’s palm his pillow; And he at my cry arose with a start of terror, And hastened to light the wick, and it flared, and straightway His terror was flown: he had gotten a look of gladness And gaily haha’d—a clatter of idle laughter. When now by the flame my features were lit, he gave me The greeting of love, asked many a courteous question; And into his hand I counted a thousand dirhems To lodge me a month, with freedom for either party. I found in his pleasure-domes two noble virgins Of family high and proud, and became their bridegroom. ’Tis thus I have ever lived and am living ever, Away my religion goes and my wealth in armfuls. As oft as we meet, I like what the law forbiddeth, And never can bear to like what the law hath hallowed.