Quatrain 39
Quatrain 39 of 75
“How long, how long, in infinite Pursuit
Of This and That endeavour and dispute?
Better be merry with the fruitful Grape
Than sadden after none, or bitter, Fruit.”
Reflection · Summer
How long, how long — the repetition is weariness and humor together. The infinite pursuit of This and That: the projects, the arguments, the ambitions that follow you through every season without ever being quite finished. Better be merry with the fruitful Grape than sadden after none, or bitter, fruit.
In summer, with the actual grapes ripening on the actual vine, this verse is almost embarrassingly practical. The fruit is here. It is fruitful. The merriness available from it is real and present. The merry Khayyam recommends is not reckless but attentive — the specific pleasure of holding the fruitful thing while it is in your hand, before you set it down to reach for the next This and That.