Shorter Pieces of Arabian Poetry: On The Battle of Sabla, by Jaafer Ben Alba

ON THE BATTLE OF SABLA. BY JAAFER BEN ALBA. SABLA, thou saw’st th’ exulting foe In fancied triumphs crowned; Thou heard’st their frantic females throw These galling taunts around: Make now your choice—the terms we give, Desponding victims, hear: These fetters on your hands receive, Or in your hearts the spear." "And is the conflict o’er?" we cried; "And lie we at your feet? And dare you vauntingly decide The fortune we must meet? "A brighter day we soon shall see, Though now the prospect lowers; And conquest, peace, and liberty Shall gild our future hours." The foe advanced;—in firm array We rushed o’er Sabla's sands; And the red sabre marked our way Amidst their yielding bands. Then, as they writhed in Death's cold grasp, We cried, "Our choice is made: These hands the sabres’ hilt shall clasp, Your hearts shall have the blade!" Next: Verses Addressed to a Kindred Tribe at Variance with the One to Which the Poet Belonged, by Alfadhel Ibn Alabas