MOSES BEN ESRA.
(about 1100.)
EXTRACTS FROM THE BOOK OF TABSHISH, OR "NECKLACE OF PEABLS."
I.
The shadow of the houses leave behind,
In the cool boscage of the grove reclined,
The wine of friendship from love's goblet drink,
And entertain with cheerful speech the mind.
Drink, friend ! behold, the dreary winter 's gone,
The mantle of old age has time withdrawn.
The sunbeam glitters in the morning dew,
O'er hill and vale youth's bloom is surging on.
Cup-bearer ! quench with snow the goblet's fire,
Even as the wise man cools and stills his ire.
Look, when the jar is drained, upon the brim
The light foam melteth with the heart's desire.
Cup-bearer ! bring anear the silver bowl.
And with the glowing gold fulfil the whole,
Unto the weak new vigor it imparts.
And without lance subdues the hero's soul.
