Chinese and Arabian Literature - E. Wilson - The Search For Mecca

SELECTIONS FROM ARABIAN POETRY 75
The dubious paths my footsteps balk'd,
I sHpp'd along the sod,
As if on Jaber's faith I'd walk'd,
Or on his truth had trod.
At length the rising King of day
Burst on the gloomy wood,
Like Carawash's eye, whose ray
Dispenses every good.
ON THE DEATH OF A SON"
Tyrant of man !
Imperious Fate
I bow before thy dread decree,
Nor hope in this uncertain state
To find a seat secure from thee.
!
Ebn Alramacram.
Life is a dark, tumultuous stream,
With many a care and sorrow foul,
Yet thoughtless mortals vainly deem
That it can yield a limpid bowl.
Think not that stream will backward flow.
Or cease its destin'd course to keep
As soon the blazing spark shall glow
Beneath the surface of the deep.
Believe not Fate at thy command
Will grant a meed she never gave;
As soon the airy tower shall stand.
That's built upon a passing wave.
Life is a sleep of threescore years,
Death bids us wake and hail the light,
And man, with all his hopes and fears.
Is but a phantom of the night.
Aly Ben Mohammed Altahmany.
" Aly Ben Mohammed was a native of that part of Arabia called Hejaz ; sad
was celebrated not only as a poet, but as a politician.
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