Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MOHAMMED AND THE BLIND ABDULLAH, by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES


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MOHAMMED AND THE BLIND ABDULLAH, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: The blind abdallah sought the tent
Last Line: One paradise their resting-place.
Alternate Author Name(s): Houghton, 1st Baron; Houghton, Lord
Subject(s): Muhammad, The Prophet (570-632); Mahomet; Mohammed


THE blind Abdallah sought the tent
Where, 'mid the eager listening croud,
Mohammed gave his wisdom vent,
And, entering fast, he cried aloud --
"O Father, full of love and ruth!
My soul and body both are blind;
Pour on me then some rays of truth
From thine illuminated mind."

Perchance the Prophet heard him not,
Or busied well, seemed not to hear,
Or, interrupted, then forgot
How all mankind to God are dear:
Disputing with the great and strong,
He frowned in momentary pride,
While through the jeering outer throng
Th' unnoticed suppliant crept aside.

But, in the calm of that midnight,
The Voice that seldom kept aloof
From his blest pillow spoke the right,
And uttered words of stern reproof: --
"How dost thou know that poor man's soul
Did not on thy regard depend?
The rich and proud thy moods controul; --
I meant thee for the mourner's friend."

Deep in the Prophet's contrite heart
The holy reprimand remained,
And blind Abdallah for his part
Kindness and reverence then obtained:
Twice, after years of sacred strife,
Within Medeenah's walls he ruled,
The man through whom Mohammed's life
Into its perfect grace was schooled.

And, from the warning of that night,
No one, however humble, past
Without salute the Prophet's sight,
Or felt his hand not held the last:
And every one was free to hear
His high discourse, and in his breast
Unburden theirs without a fear
Of troubling his majestic rest.

Thus too, when Muslim Muslim meets,
Though new the face and strange the road,
His "Peace be on you" sweetly greets
The ear, and lightens many a load:
Proclaiming that in Allah's plan
True men of every rank and race
Form but one family of man,
One Paradise their resting-place.





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