1. Though I never ceased loving Ahmed
A frail, tottering building enfolded him.

2. I settled him in a mean abode,
Though it irked me sorely to stint him.

3. Were it not for following the Prophet's wont
And minding his family's honor,

4. My tears for him would flow in torrents
From my eyes that are like bubbling springs.

5. Except that the House of Mohammed
Has in my heart of hearts its lodging,

6. His inheritance brought them only woe,
And disasters hourly multiply.

7. The wolves of Umayya beset them
And evil days dragged on in long, slow ruin.

8. With harm unchecked the Abbasids went on,
While tyrants judged and boobies guessed.

9. "Al-Rashid" they dubbed one — rightly guided? —
As for "Al-Mamun" and "Al-Amin"! — pah!

10. Never from them came a considered deed,
Nor were they warders true for holy things.

11. Their "Rashid" strayed; the boys that followed — bah!
For that, these had their troubles; those had ease.

12. O lonesome tomb in Tus, his last sad place,
Over you pass the lightnings glinting bright.

13. In doubt I waver — shall I shed for you
Wine, as they pour for memory lulled to sleep?

14. Or tears, because the days go heavy round?
Wine, if I say "draught," is my heart's blood;

15. And tears, if I say "death," are all too salt.
Strange indeed, that these your title give —

16. "Al-Rida," while their spite was fired and fell!
Can I wonder that the witless forget