With brow unalter'd I can see The hour of wealth or poverty: I've drunk from both the cups of fate, Nor this could sink, nor that elate. With fortune blest, I ne'er was found To look with scorn on those around; Nor for the loss of paltry ore, Shall Hatem seem to Hatem poor. _Hatem Tai_. [4] Hatem Tai was an Arabian chief, who lived a short time prior to the promulgation of Mohammedanism. He has been so much celebrated through the East for his generosity that even to this day the greatest encomium which can be given to a generous man is to say that he is as liberal as Hatem. Hatem was also a poet; but his talents were principally exerted in recommending his favorite virtue. THE BATTLE OF SABLA[5] Sabla, them saw'st th' exulting foe In fancied triumphs crown'd; Thou heard'st their frantic females throw These galling taunts around:-- "Make now your choice--the terms we give, Desponding victims, hear; These fetters on your hands receive, Or in your hearts the spear." "And is the conflict o'er," we cried, "And lie we at your feet? And dare you vauntingly decide The fortune we must meet? "A brighter day we soon shall see, Tho' now the prospect lowers, And conquest, peace, and liberty Shall gild our future hours." The foe advanc'd:--in firm array We rush'd o'er Sabla's sands, And the red sabre mark'd our way Amidst their yielding bands. Then, as they writh'd in death's cold grasp, We cried, "Our choice is made, These hands the sabre's hilt shall clasp, Your hearts shall have the blade." _Jaafer Ben Alba_. [5] This poem and the one following it are both taken from the Hamasa and afford curious instances of the animosity which prevailed amongst the several Arabian clans, and of the rancor with which they pursued each other, when once at variance. VERSES TO MY ENEMIES Why thus to passion give the rein? Why seek your kindred tribe to wrong? Why strive to drag to light again The fatal feud entomb'd so long? Think not, if fury ye display, But equal fury we can deal; Hope not, if wrong'd, but we repay Revenge for every wrong we feel. Why thus to passion give the rein? Why seek the robe of peace to tear? Rash youths desist, your course restrain, Or dread the wrath ye blindly dare. Yet friendship we not ask from foes, Nor favor hope from you to prove, We lov'd you not, great Allah knows, Nor blam'd you that ye could not love. To each are different feelings given, This slights, and that regards his brother; 'Tis ours to live--thanks to kind heav'n-- Hating and hated by each other. _Alfadhel Ibn Alabas_. ON HIS FRIENDS[6]