Shorter Pieces of Arabian Poetry: On the Early Death of Abu Alhassan Ali, by Camal Eddin Ben Alnabit

ON THE EARLY DEATH OF ABU ALHASSAN ALI, SON OF THE KHALIF ALNASSAR LEDIN ALLAH. BY CAMAL EDDIN BEN ALNABIT. SOON hast thou run the race of life, Nor could our tears thy speed control: Still in the coursers’ gen’rous strife The best will soonest reach the goal. As Death upon his hand turns o’er The different gems the world displays, He seizes first, to swell his store, The brightest jewel he surveys. Thy name, by every breath conveyed, Stretched o’er the globe its boundless flight; Alas! in eve the length’ning shade But lengthens to be lost in night! If gracious Allah bade thee close Thy youthful eyes so soon on day, ’Tis that he readiest welcomes those Who love him best, and best obey. Next: The Interview, A Song in the Rhythm of the Original, With the Music Annexed