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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 54. AL-KAWI by EDWIN ARNOLD

Poet Analysis

First Line: CONSIDER THEM THAT SERVE
Last Line: BE THY HAND O'ER US DAY AND NIGHT!
Subject(s): GOD; ISLAM;

@3Thou mighty One! Whose mercy hath upraised
Mankind to praise Thee, be Thou hereby praised!@1

Consider them that serve
The false gods, how they lay in golden dishes
Honey and fruits and fishes
Before their idols; and the green fly comes,
Shoots through the guarded gates, and hums
Scorn of their offering, stealing what she will;
And none of these great gods the thief can kill,
So swift she is and small:
And none of all
Can make one little fly, for all their state;
So feeble are they, and so falsely great.
Ye people of the stocks and stones! herein
A parable is set against your sin.
But Allah high doth rule
Whose hand made all things, being Powerful."

@3Al-Kawî! King of power and might!
Be Thy hand o'er us day and night!@1



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