Soon hast thou run the race of life,
Nor could our tears thy speed control--
Still in the courser's 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 convey'd,
Stretch'd o'er the globe its boundless flight;
Alas! in eve the lengthening 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.
_Alnassar Ledin Allah_.
[43] Alnassar Ledin Allah was the thirty-fourth Abasside Caliph, and
the last excepting three who enjoyed this splendid title, which
was finally abolished by the Tartars in the year 656.