The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám · Chapter
XCV explained
The speaker reflects on the paradoxical value of wine, which, despite being seen as an infidel that robs honor, is still more precious than anything the vintners could buy with its price.
What happens
The speaker reflects on the paradoxical value of wine, which, despite being seen as an infidel that robs honor, is still more precious than anything the vintners could buy with its price.
Themes in this chapter
Hedonism and Wine
Wine is portrayed as a precious, almost sacred commodity, despite its reputation as an infidel.
Skepticism and Doubt
The speaker questions the moral judgment against wine, suggesting its value outweighs any loss.
Characters to notice
- The Bonhomme
The speaker, reflecting on wine's cost and value.
Key passages
“And much as Wine has play’d the Infidel, And robb’d me of my Robe of Honour—Well, I wonder often what the Vintners buy One half so precious as the stuff they sell.”
Though wine has been a faithless thief, stealing my honor, I still wonder what the vintners purchase that is even half as valuable as the wine they sell.
The speaker defends wine's worth against moral condemnation.