“Indeed the Idols I have loved so long,
have done my credit in this World much wrong;
have drowned my Glory in a shallow Cup,
and sold my Reputation for a Song.”

Yet another timeless message from the Astronomer Poet for our current president -- though it seems highly unlikely that Bush has read the Rubaiyat, or ever will, or would understand any of it if someone were to read it to him.

I like it.

How true this rings allowed today

Sounds more like the song of Americans than their leaders -- afterall, it is We The People that let our government get away with high crimes and misdemeanors -- all so that we can get something from the Treasury instead of providing for ourselves.

100% right E Archer.

People have always set up idols, looking for an easy life. Five thousand years ago people put faith in a statue to give them "free" stuff and "protection". Today people make government their idol and they're still looking for the same thing.

Beautiful

This is a marvelous quotation, which holds much truth, today; it clearly states that love, trust, and admiration for people over the years, gradually fades away. Although the fruits of this relationship (s) proved to be awesomely perfect, the roots were rotten from the beginning. Therefore, it took mother time to bring closure to such bitter/sweet relationship. Lastly, everything in the world is built on good and evil, according to literature. This quotation revels a true aspect of life... yesterday and today. Put trust in yourself, not idols.

Omar Khayyam was a man at odds within himself, many times at odds within the Muslim community. Returning to differences in philosophy. Some considered him to be a Agnostic Hedonist. While others felt him to be a Sufi mystic. Aristotle vs Plato lines of understanding, of ones relationship without or with God. He was considered a skeptic. Given to theory. Aristotle's camp. We find in the west a nation founded upon The form of the Good. Very much in line with Plato. And Republicanism. Christian fundamentals and principals, God leading the way and cause of our sacred holy Liberty. The middle east is riddled with idols. Knowing that idolatry, polytheism is at odds with monotheism the belief of one True God. There is only one True God. And he is the governor of the nations ! Trust in him at all times !

Once again, thanks to those who post here and to the founder of Liberty Tree, I don't think that I have done as much research and exploring ...