Shorter Pieces of Arabian Poetry: On the Death of a Son, By Ali Ben Mohammed Altahmany

ON THE DEATH OF A SON. BY ALI BEN MOHAMMED ALTAHMANY. 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.