ON THE DEATH OF A SON

BY ALI BEN MOHAMMED ALTAHMANY.

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

 

Tyrant of Man! Imperious Fate!

   I bow before thy dread decree;

 Nor hope in this uncertain state

   To find a seat secure from thee.

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 destined 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.