Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A LESSON OF MERCY, by GEORGE MURRAY (1830-1910)


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A LESSON OF MERCY, by                    
First Line: Beneath a palm-tree by a clear cool spring
Last Line: Clasped hands in token that their feud was o'er.
Subject(s): Mercy


BENEATH a palm-tree by a clear cool spring
God's Prophet, Mahomet, lay slumbering,
Till, roused by chance, he saw before him stand
A foeman, Durther, scimitar in hand.
The chieftain bade the startled sleeper rise;
And with a flame of triumph in his eyes,
"Who now can save thee, Mahomet?" he cried.
"God," said the Prophet, "God, my friend and guide."
Awe-struck the Arab dropped his naked sword,
Which, grasped by Mahomet, defied its lord:
And, "Who can save thee now thy blade is won?"
Exclaimed the Prophet. Durther answered, "None!"
Then spake the victor: "Though thy hands are red
With guiltless blood unmercifully shed,
I spare thy life, I give thee back thy steel:
Henceforth, compassion for the helpless feel."
And thus the twain, unyielding foes of yore,
Clasped hands in token that their feud was o'er.





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