Sunday, June 27, 2010

TO THE KHALIF HAROUN ALRASHID, ON HIS UNDERTAKING A PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA

By IBRAHIM BEN ADHEM.

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


RELIGION'S gems can ne'er adorn
   The flimsy robe by Pleasure worn:
 Its feeble texture soon would tear,
   And give those jewels to the air.

Thrice happy they who seek th' abode
   Of peace and pleasure, in their God!
 Who spurn the world, its joys despise,
   And grasp at bliss beyond the skies.

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