"Once, when in Syria he had let war loose, And was reducing, under one strong sway, Druses, and Christians, and Mohammedans, He heard that his lost child, the favourite Born of a favourite wife, had been let fall By a young careless Nubian nurse, and hurt, So as to cripple it through all its days. No word of anger passed the warrior's lips, -- No one would think the story on his mind Rested a single moment. But due time Brought round his glad return, and he once more Entered his hall, within which, on each side, Long marble stairs curved towards the balcony, Where right and left the women's chambers spread; Upon the landing stood the glad Hareem To welcome him with music, shouts, and songs; Yet he would not ascend a single step, But cried -- 'Where is the careless Nubian girl That let my child fall on the stony ground?' Trembling and shrieking down one marble flight She was pushed forward, till she reached the floor: Then Ibrahim caught her in one giant grasp, Dragged her towards him, and one brawny hand Tight-twisting in her long and glossy hair, And with the other drawing the sharp sword Well known at Nezib and at Koniah, Sheer from her shoulders severed the young head, And casting it behind him, at few bounds Cleared the high stair and to his bosom pressed The darling wife his deed had just reveng'd. O! he is god-like in his hour of rage! His wrath is like the plague that falls on man With indiscriminate fury, and for this His name is honoured through the spacious East, Where all things powerful meet their just reward." The Soldier paused; and surely some one else Had taken up the burden of a tale; But at that moment through the cypress stems Shot the declining crimson of the sun Full on the faces of that company, Who for some instants in deep silence watched The last appearance of the ruddy rim, And, little needing the clear warning voice Which issued round the neighbouring minaret, -- Bidding all earthly thoughts and interests Sink in their breasts as sunk that fiery sun -- Bowed, old and young, their heads in blest accord, Believers in one Prophet and one God! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BACKGROUND AND DESIGN by KAREN SWENSON RAIN MUSIC by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR. MAIDENHOOD by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE LAKE (VERSION 2) by EDGAR ALLAN POE THE SHOOTING OF DAN MCGREW by ROBERT WILLIAM SERVICE THE FOOL'S PRAYER by EDWARD ROWLAND SILL |