1. What ails Moses, devoid of hearing and sight,
That he answers not him who calls him in the night?

2. Is it weariness that keeps him from us aloof,
Or has the dread of travel dulled him, forsooth?

3. Why are his hands today bound fast with chain
When erst his hands were like a keen sword's blade?

4. But yesterday in converse Moses shone,
Solving our doubts ere they were full displayed.

5. And eloquently would he plead a cause,
While all our mouths were opened in amaze.

6. His wont it was politely to receive
A legate as though he came in goodly rays.

7. My friend, make thy way to Moses' tomb and say:
"Thou art the noblest dust beneath the clay."

8. Hot tears have filled thee that were shed full sore
Till overflowing they have made thee mud and mire.

9. Was ever known a shrine erst clean and pure
To be a drain for showers and rainwater?

10. To thee came Moses' coffin in his state,
As once God's chest came unto Moses straight.

11. He who was used to ride the clouds' wave-crests,
Comes now to thee in boards and narrow chest.

12. He who erst dwelt in sessions of delight
Lies with thee in a home too strait and tight.

13. He who was nearest earth's folk in benefit,
And farthest earth's folk from all hurt and ill,

14. Broadest of bosom in distress's strait,
Gentlest of soul in the hour of anger's weight,

15. He who spoke truth in public and in secret,
And who did good in earnest and in jest,

16. Who the more God increased his dignity
The more he showed humility and modesty.

17. Who the more wealth he gained, more bounty spent.
Like a ripe date-palm higher mounting as more bent.

18. Deep in his heart was written what of yore
Was carved on Moses' hand and heart that bore

19. The paths of right he trod from early youth
Till paths of right became his wont forsooth.

20. His nature and his acts were never blamed.
And single-eyed he died and triple-famed.

21. To us he left his deeds for lesson sheer.
And now there linger traces of him here.

22. A pillar in Beirut fell down outright
And in its awful crash spread wreck and blight.

23. His death we mourn in this his native land.
How many mourn his loss in distant strand!

24. From heights of glory to the dust he fell.
Exchanging raiment choice for earthy shell.

25. He used to fill the poor from his rich hoard.
Now the earth fills him, hungering for its lord!

26. He unto whom the mother points with pride
Before the infant lisps a word beside,

27. Saying, "Be like this man in word and work."
We live for death since death is life's own bourne.

28. Our first and last day are for death designed.
What comes between is but a breathe of wind.

29. No eyes he leaves unwet with burning tear,
No heart unsmitten with grief's poignant spear.

30. When to life's lake fresh-flowing we attain,
'Twixt bank and water least is the domain.