Classic and Contemporary Poetry
MOHAMMED AND THE ASSASSIN, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Leave me, my followers, leave me Last Line: "whose mercy knows no end." Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord Subject(s): Assassination; Mercy; Muhammad, The Prophet (570-632); Mahomet; Mohammed | ||||||||
"LEAVE me, my followers, leave me; The best-loved voices grieve me When falls the weary day: My heart to God is yearning, My soul to God returning: Leave me alone to pray." So had the Prophet spoken: The silence was unbroken; While on a tree close by He hung his arms victorious, And raised his forehead glorious As glows the western sky. Fast as the sun descended, Further the Prophet wended His course behind the hill; Where, at his motives prying, An Arab foe was lying, Hid by a sand-heap still. One of a hateful tribe, Treating with scorn and gibe God and the Prophet's name: Creatures of evil lust, Base as the desert dust, Proud of their very shame! With upraised sword behind him, Burning to slay or bind him, Stealthy the traitor trod; He cried, "At last I brave thee! Whom hast thou now to save thee?" "God," said the Prophet, "God!" Guardian of Allah's choice, Gabriel had heard that voice -- Had seen the felon's brand; Swift from his hand he tore it, Swift as an arrow bore it Into the Prophet's hand. O vain design, and senseless, To find the man defenceless Whom God loves like a son! He cried, "Who now shall save thee? Which of the friends God gave thee?" "None," said the Arab, "none!" "Yes," said the Prophet, "One -- Evil the deed now done -- Still thou hast found a friend: Only believe and bow To him who has saved thee now, Whose mercy knows no end." | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MAHOMET by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE MAHOMET'S SONG by JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE A TURKISH ELECTION by ARTHUR GUITERMAN MOHAMMED AND THE BLIND ABDULLAH by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES MOHAMMED AND THE MISER by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES MOHAMMEDANISM by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES THE INFANCY OF MOHAMMED by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES THE DEER AND THE PROPHET by AGNES MARY F. ROBINSON COLUMBUS AND THE MAYFLOWER by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES |
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