SALAAM TO OMAR! We that meet to-night Have bid Black Care be banished, and invite The Rose, the Cup, the not-too-ancient Jest To help, and cheer us, -- but beyond the Rest, Peaceful Digestion with its blissful Calm. Therefore to OMAR once again -- SALAAM! SALAAM TO OMAR! Life in truth is short, And mortal Man of many Ills the Sport; Yet still th' Oasis of the Board commends Its Vantage-Ground for cheerful Talk of Friends, And brings Oblivion, like an Eastern Balm. Therefore to OMAR once again -- SALAAM! SALAAM TO OMAR! Many Things must go Down the dim Way that leads to Weal or Woe; But kindly Hearts and kindly Thoughts will last Till Time himself -- the Arch-Iconoclast -- Drops the last Coin in Charon's withered Palm. Therefore to OMAR once again -- SALAAM! |