# XCIII explained — The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám

> Chapter companion for The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám by Omar Khayyám.

## What happens

The speaker reflects on how his lifelong devotion to idols—likely worldly pleasures, wine, or love—has damaged his reputation and honor, trading glory for fleeting indulgence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hedonism and Wine

The 'shallow Cup' and 'Song' symbolize the trade of lasting glory for momentary pleasure.

### Skepticism and Doubt

Regret over misplaced devotion to idols that proved worthless.

## Character check-ins

### Omar Khayyám

Speaker lamenting the cost of his hedonistic pursuits.

## Key lines

> Indeed the Idols I have loved so long Have done my credit in this World much wrong: Have drown’d my Glory in a shallow Cup And sold my Reputation for a Song.

The things I worshipped for years have ruined my standing in society, drowning my honor in a trivial drink and trading my good name for a mere tune.

_A confession of regret over prioritizing pleasure over reputation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rub_iy_t_of_omar_khayy_m_se/chapters/xciii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rub_iy_t_of_omar_khayy_m_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_rub_iy_t_of_omar_khayy_m_se/chapters