Literature Network » Ralph Waldo Emerson » May-Day and Other Pieces » From Omar Chiam

From Omar Chiam

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Each spot where tulips prank their state
Has drunk the life-blood of the great;
The violets yon field which stain
Are moles of beauties time hath slain.

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He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare,
And he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere.

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On two days it steads not to run from thy grave,
The appointed, and the unappointed day;
On the first, neither balm nor physician can save,
Nor thee, on the second, the Universe slay.

Literature Network » Ralph Waldo Emerson » May-Day and Other Pieces » From Omar Chiam