ABU TEMAN HABIB'S POEM

BY ABU TEMAN HABIB.


VERSES ADDRESSED TO HIS MISTRESS, WHO HAD FOUND FAULT WITH HIM FOR PROFUSION

Translated into English Verse by J. D. Carlyle, BD

UNGENEROUS and mistaken maid,

   To scorn me thus because I'm poor

 Canst thou a liberal hand upbraid,

   For dealing round some worthless ore?

To spare's the wish of little souls;

   The great but gather to bestow:

 Yon current don the mountain rolls,

   And stagnates in the swamp belay.