ON THE VALE OF BOZAA

BY AHMED BEN YOUSEF ALMENAZY.

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

The intertwining boughs for thee

   Have wove, sweet dell, a verdant vest,

 And thou in turn shall give to me

   A verdant couch upon thy breast.

To shield me from Day's fervid glare,

   Thine oaks their fostering arms extend,

 As, anxious o'er her infant care,

   I've seen a watchful mother bend.

A brighter cup, a sweeter draught,

   I gather from that rill of thine,

 Than maddening drunkards ever quaffed,

   Than all the treasures of the vine.

So smooth the pebbles on its shore,

   That not a maid can thither stray,

 But counts her strings of jewels o'er,

   And thinks the pearls have slipped away.